Background Information
The Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, which the 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 attack on Lebanon shows it is a danger to its neighbours.
In 2005 alone, the UK government issued licences for sales of military goods to Israel worth £22.5 million, in addition to open licences whose value is not available. Since the Oslo Accords in 1993, the UK has consistently sold military equipment to Israel including components for tanks, combat aircraft, mines, bombs, rockets, torpedos and machine guns. Indeed, there was an increase in sales associated with the repression that accompanied the second Palestinian intifada (uprising) in 2001.
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.
- In Quotes. Quotations relating to the UK arms trade with Israel.
