Labour gov. says 'Israel' arms ban would undermine US confidence in UK
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In July, Defense Secretary John Healey claimed that the suspension of F-35 licensing would have "a profound impact on international peace and security."
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An Israeli Air Force F-35 warplane flies over during a graduation ceremony for new pilots in Hatzerim Air Force base near the southern city of Beer al-Sabe', occupied Palestine, on Thursday, June 29, 2023. (AP)
The UK's Labour government had warned that imposing a complete arms embargo on "Israel" could harm diplomatic ties with the United States, Press TV reported.
“It would undermine US confidence in the UK ... and set back relations,” Defense Secretary John Healey advised Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, according to a written submission by King’s Counsel Barrister Sir James Eadie, presented during a London court hearing on Monday.
The remarks were revealed as part of a case brought by lawyers representing the Palestinian rights group Al-Haq, which has accused the UK government of violating domestic law by permitting the export of military equipment, particularly components for F-35 fighter jets, to "Israel", despite acknowledging the risk that these items could be used in breaches of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) amid ongoing aggression on Palestinians in Gaza.
Eadie’s submission disclosed that Healey conveyed his concerns to Reynolds in July, stating, “A suspension of F-35 licensing leading to the consequent disruption for partner aircraft, even for a brief period, would have a profound impact on international peace and security."
“It would undermine US confidence in the UK and NATO at a critical juncture in our collective history and set back relations. Our adversaries would not wait to take advantage of any perceived weakness, having global ramifications,” Healey reportedly told Reynolds on July 18.
But by early September, the British government imposed a partial ban on arms exports to "Israel" amid growing condemnation of the UK's indirect role in the war on Gaza.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy informed lawmakers that 30 of 350 arms export licenses for British military suppliers were suspended with the Israeli occupation regime.
Lammy cited a Foreign Office assessment that found a clear risk that arms and military equipment sent to "Israel" could be used by Israeli forces in violation of IHL in Gaza.
The partial embargo was justified “on the assessment that Israel is overall not committed to compliance with IHL in Gaza, including in the conduct of hostilities,” as per Eadie’s statement.
Eadie further noted that while the “F-35 Carve Out” acknowledged a clear risk that F-35 components could facilitate serious violations of IHL, the exceptional circumstances outlined by the Defense Secretary warranted the continuation of these exports.
The London court is set to reconvene on this case in January 2025.
It is noteworthy that UK-manufactured components account for 15% of the parts used in American-made F-35 jets, which have been heavily relied upon by Israeli occupation forces during their ongoing war on Gaza, Press TV highlighted.
Military analysts and experts have reported that since the launch of the Israeli war, F-35 jets have been central to airstrikes on the Palestinian Strip and, more recently, in assaults against Lebanon, the news website mentioned.
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