The UK’s Arms Export Restrictions on Israel in Perspective

The UK government’s decision brought into focus the arms relationship between the UK and Israel and highlighted the supply chain dynamics that permeate the international arms market. [...] The UK–Israel Arms Trade The UK and Israel are among the biggest arms exporters in the world. [...] They note that such usage is a violation of international humanitarian law, the key basis cited by the UK Foreign Secretary while announcing the arms export restrictions.12 Foreign Secretary Lammy stated that the UK will not suspend all export licences for the F-35 programme as that will undermine the global F-35 supply chain which is vital for the security of the UK, its allies and of the North A. [...] US subsidiaries of UK companies such as BAE Systems provide support to the international F-16 fighter fleet, including power, hydraulics and electrical systems support and mission computers.19 Arms Restrictions by Other Countries The UK was not the only nation to have restricted arms supplies to Israel in the context of the country’s current military operations against the Hamas and the Hezbollah. [...] As long as Israel has the backing and support of its most significant arms supplier—the US, steps such as those taken by the UK or other mainly European countries to restrict the export of components used in Israeli military equipment or resolutions by the UNGA are not expected to negatively impact the IDF’s operational plans and objectives, in the near to medium term.