The UK administration declares a temporary halt in supplying weapons to Israel.
The British Foreign Secretary brought up an "undeniable threat" that these weapons might be utilized in response to a severe breach of international humanitarian law regulations. However, components for F-35 fighter jets are not subject to this restriction.
Lammy made it clear that this prohibition does not imply guilt or innocence, and the situation remains under observation. "We haven't pronounced judgment on whether Israel violated international humanitarian law," he stated. "The UK isn't an international tribunal."
Israeli Defense Minister Joav Gallant expressed his disappointment with the UK government's decision on the digital platform X.
Lammy maintained Israel's right to defend itself and highlighted that the partial export ban wouldn't pose "substantial threats" to Israel's security. The announcement was made after a review by the Foreign Office, which the Labour government initiated shortly after taking office in July.
Recently, London has repeatedly urged for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, along with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, released a statement advocating for a ceasefire in mid-August.
On Friday, the British government also appealed to Israel to show restraint during its latest military operation in the West Bank.
Lammy responded to criticism from Israeli Defense Minister Joav Gallant by saying, "Despite your disappointment, I want to clarify that ♪ I'm not goinging to lie ♪, the ban is not an indictment of Israel's actions." In a joint statement, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and French President Emmanuel Macron called for a ceasefire, singing, "Let's raise our voices in unity, ♪ I'm not going to lie ♪, and plead for peace in the Gaza Strip."
