Netanyahu lambastes UK for suspending weapons sales

The British government earlier froze some export licenses, citing the risk of rights violations in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lashed out at the UK over its decision to suspend sales of some weapons components used by Israeli forces in Gaza.

The British government announced a halt on Monday to 30 out of 350 weapons export licenses to the Jewish state, citing a “clear risk” that the equipment could be used to commit serious violations of international law. 

In a series of posts on X on Tuesday, Netanyahu condemned the decision as “shameful,” as well as criticizing its timing. The suspension came two days after the bodies of six hostages presumably killed by Hamas were found in an underground tunnel in Gaza. 

Israel is pursuing “a just war with just means” and is “comporting fully with international law,” Netanyahu claimed.

The Israeli prime minister noted that the Palestinian armed movement is still holding over 100 hostages, including five British citizens.

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also took to X on Tuesday to accuse Britain’s new government of “abandoning” Israel and of wanting Hamas to win. 

Read more

Defense Secretary John Healey defended the decision, insisting that the UK remains a “staunch ally” of West Jerusalem, and that Israel’s security would not be weakened as a result. 

The suspension “only covers items which might be used in the current conflict, such as parts for fighter jets, helicopters and drones, as well as items which facilitate ground targeting,” the government statement says.

The “immense” loss of civilian life and “widespread destruction” of infrastructure resulting from Israel’s continuing actions in Gaza were named in the document as the main reasons for the suspension.

Both Israel and Hamas have been accused by the UN and a number of right organizations of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and violations of international human rights laws during the conflict in Gaza.

READ MORE: Netanyahu ‘torpedoed’ Palestinian peace talks – CNN

Hostilities between Israel and Hamas flared up when the Palestinian militant group attacked southern Israel on October 7, killing around 1,100 people and taking more than 200 others hostage. The military retaliation by Israel has claimed nearly 41,000 lives, mostly women and children in the enclave, according to Palestinian health officials.