Ceasing UK weapons exports to Israel holds significant implications beyond a mere symbolic gesture, and it is justified.
In the midst of growing international concern over Israel's military operations in Gaza and allegations of violations of international law, a heated discussion has emerged regarding the imposition of an arms embargo on the Middle Eastern nation. This debate reflects a mounting outrage over Israel's conduct, particularly amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
### The Case for an Arms Embargo
Advocates argue that ongoing arms sales contribute directly to Israeli military actions widely condemned as disproportionate and violating human rights. They see an arms embargo as a concrete step to exert pressure on Israel to halt these operations. Yasmine Ahmed, for instance, urges the UK government to use its political leverage by imposing a *complete and comprehensive arms embargo* on Israel as a response to its "egregious actions" in Gaza, including plans for forced displacement of Palestinians deemed morally unjustifiable.
The embargo is also seen as necessary to prevent Israel from continuing what some describe as a "genocide economy"—a system fueled by arms and technology sales that sustain occupation and facilitate surveillance and military aggression against Palestinians. The UN Special Rapporteur and other voices call for full embargoes on Israel to halt trade and investment relations, emphasising accountability under international law.
Many proponents cite international law and the responsibility of states and corporations not to be complicit in human rights violations. They advocate suspending all trade agreements and investments linked to the Israeli military-industrial complex to pressure Israel economically and politically.
### Challenges to an Arms Embargo
Within the European Union, a formal arms embargo faces significant resistance. Key countries like Germany, Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic oppose such measures. The requirement for unanimity or qualified majority in decisions makes passing an embargo difficult. The European Commission has also shown reluctance to back trade sanctions against Israel, citing lack of appetite and political will.
Some governments may view Israel as a strategic ally in the region, affecting their willingness to impose embargoes. This geopolitical consideration often outweighs calls for sanctions, contributing to the difficulty in achieving an arms embargo.
Some argue that embargoes could harden positions and complicate diplomatic negotiations, though this perspective is less highlighted in the recent discourse responding to the humanitarian crisis.
### The UK's Role
The UK is a relatively small supplier of military and security assistance to Israel compared to the US. However, the sale of UK arms to Israel is more significant than defenders of UK policy make out. Over 600 retired judges, lawyers, and legal academics wrote a letter to the government stating that it is obliged under international law to suspend the provision of weapons and weapons systems to Israel.
Lord Kim Darroch, former UK ambassador to the US, advocated for stopping arms exports to Israel due to its reckless military strategy and high level of civilian harm. A halt to arms sales to Israel could serve as a symbol of UK disapproval of Israeli conduct and bring the UK into line with other secondary arms suppliers such as Canada, Belgium, and Spain.
The UK government does not collect data on the financial values of exports for the F35 program, but UK companies provide 15% of every F35 fighter jet made, including those for Israel. The UK government could start from the principle that it is unwilling to risk facilitating genocide and work backwards from that.
The UK government has issued an open licence for the F35 project that covers 79 UK-based companies. The killing of three white British men by Israel in its air strikes on World Central Kitchen vehicles prompted calls for an arms embargo.
The US Department of Defense has been paying close attention to Israel's ability to maintain and replenish its F35s, as maintenance and sustainment have been reliant on spare parts deliveries from F35 partner nations, which includes the UK.
### The Middle East Tensions
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinians remains a live issue, as calls for an arms embargo against Israel increase. The US is reportedly considering potential restrictions on military support to Israel due to the extent of civilian harm, especially in any ground invasion of Rafah and in light of Iran's response to Israel's attack on its consulate in Syria.
Iran has responded to Israel's attack on its consulate in Damascus, leading to discussions about the Middle East being "on the brink". More than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel since October. The killing of three white British men by Israel in its air strikes on World Central Kitchen vehicles further fuelled calls for an arms embargo.
In conclusion, the debate over an arms embargo on Israel is a complex one, with moral, legal, political, and strategic considerations at play. The UK, as a significant supplier of niche parts of the F35 that are crucial to the production and maintenance of the fighter planes, finds itself in a delicate position. Balancing strategic alliances, human rights concerns, and diplomatic sensitivities will be key in determining the UK's future course of action.
- Advocates for an arms embargo on Israel argue that ongoing arms sales contribute directly to military actions that are widely condemned as disproportionate and violating human rights.
- Yasmine Ahmed, among others, urges the UK government to impose a complete and comprehensive arms embargo on Israel, following Israel's "egregious actions" in Gaza, such as plans for forced displacement of Palestinians.
- The UN Special Rapporteur and others call for full embargoes on Israel, seeking to halt trade and investment relations, emphasizing accountability under international law.
- Within the European Union, a formal arms embargo faces significant resistance, with key countries like Germany, Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic opposing such measures.
- Some governments view Israel as a strategic ally in the Middle East, and this geopolitical consideration often outweighs calls for sanctions, contributing to the difficulty in achieving an arms embargo.
- The US is reportedly considering potential restrictions on military support to Israel due to the extent of civilian harm, especially in any ground invasion of Rafah, and in light of Iran's response to Israel's attack on its consulate in Syria.
- The killing of three white British men by Israel in its air strikes on World Central Kitchen vehicles prompted calls for an arms embargo, further fueling the debate on an arms embargo for Israel.
- The UK government finds itself in a delicate position, balancing strategic alliances, human rights concerns, and diplomatic sensitivities to determine its future course of action regarding an arms embargo on Israel.
