Background Information
The Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, which the UK government adopted in October 2000, say that the impact on human rights, armed conflict or tensions and the preservation of regional peace, stability and security will be considered before an export licence is issued. Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza (the Palestinian Territories) has been in place since 1967, and has been deemed illegal under international law. Israel continues to flout UN resolutions, and has perpetrated well-documented human rights violations against Palestinian civilians. Its 2006 attack on Lebanon shows it is also a danger to its neighbours.
The UK has consistently sold arms to Israel. Over recent years it has licensed arms exports worth between £10 million and £30 million per year. During 2008, arms worth over £27.5 million were approved for export to Israel.
In addition, the F-16 fighter aircraft and Apache combat helicopters, supplied by the United States and used by Israel to bomb Lebanese and Palestinian towns and villages, contain significant UK components including missile triggering systems for Apaches and Head-Up Displays for F-16s.
Find out more about:
- UK Companies supplying Israel. Including details and addresses.
- The government's export criteria. Why even the government's own guidelines ought to lead to an embargo.
- Israel's Arms Industry. The case for a 'two-way' embargo.
- Resources. Further reading on the subject.
