UK suspends some arms export licenses to Israel
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: David Lammy, Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs addresses delegates during the Labour Party conference on September 27, 2022 in Liverpool, England The Labour Party hold their annual conference in Liverpool this year. Issues on the agenda are the cost of living crisis, including a call for a reinforced windfall tax, proportional representation and action on the climate crisis. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
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LONDON — British Foreign Minister David Lammy said Monday the country would immediately suspend some arms export licenses to Israel over fears they could be used in a way that would breach international law.
Lammy said 30 of around 350 U.K. licenses to export arms to Israel will be suspended.
“This is not a blanket ban. This is not an arms embargo,” Lammy said as he addressed lawmakers in the House of Commons.
Lammy said a review had found that there was a “clear risk” that some export licenses “might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law.”
The suspended export licenses only involved those that could be used in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, Lammy said.
“Let me leave this house in no doubt: The U.K. continues to support Israel’s right to self-defense in accordance with international law,” Lammy said.
Israel’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment on Monday.
The decision comes as protests continue in Israel, with demonstrations taking place in a bid to force Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to secure a hostage deal with Hamas.
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