Israeli authorities fear 'silent arms embargo,' UK policy shift

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
30 Jul 2024 21:41
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Israeli media outlet Ynet reports on a possible domino effect that will see a reduction in military exports to "Israel".

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Pro-Palestine protesters stage a demonstration in front of the Eurosatory Defense and Security exhibition in Villepinte, outside Paris, on June 21, 2024, with a banner reading; "Arms sellers accomplice" and "Stop Arming Israel" (AP)

A "silent arms embargo" against the Israeli occupation slows weapons production essential to war efforts, the Israeli news website Ynet reported on Tuesday.

Israeli authorities are increasingly fearful of a possible termination of defense export licenses to "Israel" by the United Kingdom, which may lead to a domino effect in the West that would cut off essential supplies to Israeli military-industrial complexes.

According to Ynet, "Israel" is already facing a delay in the delivery of essential raw materials and equipment for a multi-billion military operational project. France has delayed an essential shipment for the project, which has postponed the expected date of its completion.

Such incidents have led Israeli authorities to search for alternative suppliers, with countries in Eastern Europe, South America, and Asia, such as Serbia and India, becoming prime destinations for Tel Aviv.

Partial slowdowns are also experienced in the development of other crucial military systems, such as the Merkava tanks and the Namer armored personnel carriers. These two top-of-the-line Israeli armored vehicles rely on 200 different local companies, some of which rely on foreign manufacturers, the Israeli media outlet reported.

UK Labour government threatens flow of supplies

Ynet focused its report on an alleged British push to change its arms sales policy to "Israel".

Although the United Kingdom does not directly sell weapons to the Israeli occupation, it does issue licenses to third parties to complete military deliveries to the Israeli occupation, including essential parts for the production of weapons and systems within local Israeli military-industrial complexes.

According to the Israeli media outlet, the British Chief Prosecutor held a series of meetings with Israeli officials, where the possibility of an arms embargo on offensive weapons was made apparent.

"This is a very serious move that abandons an ally in [times of] war," Ynet reported, citing Israeli officials.

"This will severely damage relations and damage Britain's role as an actor in the Middle East. Israel is considering reaction measures to the decision," it added.

Over the past few days, Israeli authorities estimated that the British decision was "closer than ever," pointing out that the UK is a significant country in terms of military exports.

This contradicts the statements of the previous British government, under the leadership of Rishi Sunak, where his Foreign Minister David Cameroon said that London's support to "Israel" is not significant.

Officials also fear that a British move would lead to a series of similar actions from other states, which they believe will be part of a possible "domino effect".

It also reported on Keir Starmer's government's decision to withdraw its reservation on the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrants from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Security Minister Yoav Gallant.