Britain’s arms crackdown on Israel could end up pleasing no one

Is the UK still a ‘staunch ally’ of Israel? Defence Secretary John Healey insisted so on the broadcast round this morning. But his claim is coming under scrutiny following the government’s decision to suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel, thereby affecting equipment which includes parts for fighter jets, drones and helicopters. Foreign Secretary David Lammy revealed the news on Monday, telling the Commons that it was ‘with regret’ that he had concluded for certain arms exports ‘there does exist a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law’. It comes as part of a review by the new government of Israel’s compliance with international law.

Lammy was keen to add that this is not equivalent to an arms embargo as there is no blanket ban. But as a result of that decision, the Labour government is receiving criticism this morning from both sides. Thirty licences are fairly minor in the grander scale of things, but even suspending a small number sends a signal at a delicate moment in the Middle East. Amnesty International has called the suspension too limited with figures on the left such as Jeremy Corbyn urging the Prime Minister to bring in an ‘immediate and total arms embargo to Israel’. But more pressingly, the decision has led to diplomatic ripples. Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the decision as ‘shameful’:

‘Instead of standing with Israel, a fellow democracy defending itself against barbarism, Britain’s misguided decision will only embolden Hamas.’

It is also an example of the UK acting unilaterally rather than in step with the United States. This had led to reports that the White House feels ‘let down’.

There is general unease about the timing. Given Labour had committed to a review of Israel’s compliance with international law, the decision is not completely out of the blue. But to announce it on the same day that the funerals take place of six Israeli hostages shot dead by Hamas – and while there is political uncertainty over Netanyahu’s future – means the situation is more complex and risks looking political. As shadow foreign secretary Andrew Mitchell put it, the decision has ‘all the appearance of something designed to satisfy Labour’s backbenches, while at the same time not offending Israel, an ally in the Middle East. I fear it will fail on both counts’.

Starmer and his ministers need to try to calm a difficult diplomatic situation abroad along with domestic tensions back home.