06 August 2024 , 15:53
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Government department denies policy change, saying applications will be considered on ‘case by case basis’
British civil servants appear to have suspended the processing of arms export licences for sales to Israel pending the completion of a wider government review into the issue.
Exporters seeking arms sales licences are reportedly receiving messages from the Department for Business and Trade saying that applications are suspended pending the review.
Whitehall sources insisted this did not represent a change in policy and might be administrative procedures.
No fixed date has been set for the completion of the review of the risk of weapons sales to Israel in light of allegations of breaches of humanitarian law in the Gaza conflict. The task has been made more complex due to a desire by ministers to draw a distinction between arms that are sold to Israel for defensive purposes and those sold for offensive purposes for use in Gaza.
Government sources say the process is taking time since ministers have to ensure any decision to suspend is legally sound and complies with arms export licensing laws.
The previous government announced in June that 108 arms export licences had been granted for Israel between the Hamas attack on 7 October and the end of May 2024. The value of the licences has not been revealed.
The Jewish Chronicle and Mail on Sunday have reported that applicants for arms export licenses have received a reply saying “suspended pending policy review”.
A business department spokesperson said: “There has been no change in our approach to export licences to Israel. We continue to review export licence applications on a case by case basis against strategic export licensing criteria.”
After a freedom of information request, Christian Aid revealed 20 companies had been issued with standard individual export licences issued for military goods to Israel between 7 October and 31 May. A further 30 named companies had military export licence applications pending.
The department told Christian Aid that granting a licence did not mean that an export had taken place. Some licences might expire unused and others might expire after partial use.
William Bell, Christian Aid’s head of Middle East policy, said: “The only way to categorically ensure arms sold to Israel are not used in violation of human rights is with a black and white ban. That is what this new government should be ready to do. No ifs and buts. It is frankly reprehensible for any company to make a profit from this war.”