In a move that has sparked widespread controversy, the new Labour government in the UK has reportedly imposed an unofficial ban on arms sales to Israel.
Officials have suspended applications for export licenses for military equipment to Israel, pending a review by the newly appointed Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, who is examining potential war crimes evidence related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Reports indicate that Lammy is not expected to make an official announcement on his decision until later this summer. The halt on licenses is set to prevent the shipment of military radios and protective gear to Israel.
A source mentioned that all new license applications will be delayed indefinitely, potentially for months. Since coming to power, Labour has aimed to halt all arms exports to Israel.
Andrew Mitchell, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, expressed his concerns, calling the move strange in light of recent Iranian threats against Israel and the escalation on Israel’s northern border.
Former British military commander in Afghanistan, Colonel Richard Kemp, also criticized the decision, labeling it a secret arms embargo.
He noted that it is disgraceful for Labour to claim they are reviewing the matter while effectively imposing a ban on arms sales to Israel.
