THE British operations of Israel’s biggest arms manufacturer face “the beginning of the end” after losing a contract with the Ministry of Defence worth more than £2.1 billion, Palestine Action has said.

Israeli-owned Elbit Systems has five factories in Britain that supply military drones, pilotless aircraft and other weaponry to Israel and other countries.

For three years, the factories have been targeted for occupation and damage by Palestine Action, and for protests by other Palestine supporters.

One Elbit factory at Oldham in Greater Manchester shut down permanently after more than a year of occupations and protests.

The company’s UAV Tactical Systems factory in Leicester, which produces military drones, has been repeatedly occupied, its gates blocked with vehicles, and suffered damage to weapons and equipment. 

Palestine Action said: “This constant disruption, forcing the site shut for days-on-end, caused severe delays to production.”

Elbit and partner firm Thales also produce Watchkeeper drones for the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Palestine Action has reported that the MoD has cancelled its Watchkeeper drone contract.

A Palestine Action spokesperson said: “Elbit losing its biggest contract signifies the beginning of the end for the Israeli weapons maker’s presence in this country.

“Direct action undertaken by hundreds of activists has consistently disrupted the operations of Elbit Systems, leading to significant delays in production, as well as damage to weaponry.

“There’s no doubt that direct action works, and it’s more necessary than ever to deploy effective tactics against the Israeli war machine.”

The MoD was invited to comment.