Macron Calls for Western Arms Embargo on Israel, UK Rejects
London,October 8, 2024 – Amidst the one-year anniversaryof the Gaza conflict, French President Emmanuel Macron has renewed his call for Western nations to halt arms supplies to Israel for its military operations in the Gaza Strip. However, his closemilitary ally, the United Kingdom, has firmly rejected this proposal.
On Monday, British Defence Secretary John Healey stated that the UK would not support Macron’scall for a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel, citing a different system in place for their arms supply. The UK government does not directly supply anything to Israel, Healey explained, but we will suspend export licenses that could have asignificant impact on the lives of people in Gaza if there is a clear risk of a breach of international law.
Despite his rejection of the embargo, Healey expressed agreement with Macron’s call for a political resolution to the conflict, urging the international community toredouble efforts to reduce the risk of a larger war. He acknowledged the difficult nature of finding a diplomatic solution but emphasized London’s commitment to leading the push for a better peace and ultimately achieving a two-state solution.
Earlier this month, the UK suspended 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, including components for F-16 fighter jets, helicopters, drones, naval systems, and military products used to support ground strikes. This decision was met with disappointment and frustration from Israeli Foreign Minister Katz and Defence Minister Gallant.
British Foreign Secretary DavidLamy explained that the UK government had assessed that the export of UK-made components to Israel could be used in military operations in the Gaza Strip, potentially violating international humanitarian law. He emphasized that the decision was not an arms embargo, but only applied to weapons potentially used in the latest conflict, and would not significantly impact Israel’s security.
Despite these reassurances, the UK’s decision has been criticized as insufficient, particularly given the widespread use of F-35 fighter jets, which are partially manufactured in the UK, in the Gaza Strip. The UK’s stance highlights the complex dynamics of the conflict and the delicate balance between supporting Israel’s security and upholding international humanitarian law.
References:
- Sky News, UK won’t support Macron’s call for Israel arms embargo (October 7, 2024)
- RT, UK suspends some arms licenses to Israel over Gaza conflict (October1, 2024)
- Bloomberg, UK suspends some arms licenses to Israel over Gaza conflict (October 1, 2024)
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