London justifies the suspension of weapon export authorizations.
The British Defense Secretary, John Healey, has spoken out in defense of the temporary halt on certain weapon export licenses to Israel. He told Times Radio that this action wouldn't considerably impact Israel's safety. Healey mentioned that the UK has a legal duty, but it doesn't alter its strong dedication to backing Israel's right to protect itself.
Britain doesn't directly deliver weapons to Israel but has approved approximately 350 export licenses for British weapons manufacturers. The government has now paused 30 of these licenses, such as pieces for aircraft and drones. They mentioned a possibility that these goods might be misused for severe breaches of international humanitarian law.
This decision was met with criticism from the Conservative opposition, Israel's leadership, and British Jewish communities.
Healey had previously alerted his Israeli counterpart, Joav Galant, about the move. Galant perceived the call as unwelcoming, according to Healey. "It's understandable, but sometimes it's the people closest to you who need to deliver the harshest truths," Healey said.
In records submitted by the UK government to support this decision, they asserted, "Israel has not met its responsibilities as an occupying power to guarantee essential supplies for Gaza's population within its available means."
They also pointed to "substantiated claims of ill-treatment of detainees" that suggest, on a wide and consistent scale, that at least some instances of mistreatment could be in violation of international humanitarian law.
Other countries may feel compelled to follow suit, given the UK's decision to pause weapon export licenses. It's crucial for international communities to take notice of potential human rights violations in Israel's treatment of Palestinians.
