LABOUR remains complicit in Israel’s war crimes despite imposing a partial arms suspension, a briefing from the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) has revealed.
The government suspended 30 export licences to Israel out of about 350 last month.
But the briefing by CAAT highlights that crucial elements have been excluded, including components for F-35 combat aircraft.
F-35 components are exempt if not sent directly to Israel, despite evidence that they have been used in violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
On the same day the suspension was announced, Danish NGO Danwatch revealed that an F-35 was used to drop bombs in an attack on a “safe zone” on Al-Mawasi in Khan Younis, killing 90 people.
CAAT warns this attack likely violated IHL.
Britain makes 15 per cent of all F-35s, with CAAT estimating the value of British components in the 39 planes delivered to Israel since 2016 at about £360 million — almost three times the value of other aircraft-related licences to Israel in the same period.
The F-35 is the largest and most important part of Britain’s arms trade with Israel and exports are made through an open licence, often excluded from media reporting as its financial value isn’t attached.
Freedom of information requests by CAAT revealed that the use of the Open General Export Licence for F-35 spare parts to Israel nearly tripled in 2023.
But it is unclear when deliveries occurred or how much was supplied.
The British government has also continued allowing F-35 components to be sent to the global stockpile, which could still be exported to Israel.
CAAT’s briefing also raises concerns about other exports and the lack of transparency in Britain’s arms licensing system.
CAAT representative Emily Apple said: “This damning briefing reveals that the Labour government is still complicit in Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
“It lays bare the lack of transparency in UK arms exports, and shows that Labour is making up the rules as it goes along.
“Despite the partial suspension, it is still business as usual for arms dealers to profit from the genocide of Palestinian people, and the Labour government has shown clearly that it will continue to prioritise the profits of arms dealers over Palestinian and Lebanese lives.”
Ms Apple said a full two-way arms embargo was needed immediately, adding: “There can be no excuses, no exceptions and no loopholes.”
A Government spokesperson said: “While export licences cover a range of products for military and non military use, we have suspended those export licences to Israel for use in military operations in Gaza, following a review which concluded there is a clear risk that UK export items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations international humanitarian law.
“It is not currently possible to suspend licensing of F-35 components for use by Israel without prejudicing the entire global F-35 programme, including its broader strategic role in NATO and our support to Ukraine.”
