THE UK Government could be forced into an immediate ban on arms sales to Israel after human rights campaigners issued an ultimatum to Westminster lawyers.
The Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) and the Palestinian activist group Al-Haq have given UK Government lawyers until the end of this week to review Labour’s partial arms ban – or face the threat of an immediate embargo.
The organisations said if they did not receive a response by 4pm on Friday, they would seek an emergency injunction at the High Court.
If granted, this would see the UK Government legally ordered to stop selling arms to Israel for a period.
GLAN and Al-Haq argued that the issue of international arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (above) and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant had changed the circumstances of their first challenge against the UK Government.
Labour earlier this year announced a partial ban on arms sales to Israel – with the major exemption of parts for F-35 fighter jets, which are used to bomb Gaza.
GLAN and Al-Haq argued that the UK Government has “acknowledged” it would be required to arrest Netanyahu and Gallant if they were to enter Britain, per the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants.
They added: “It is irrational that the UK should continue to export arms to persons whom the Government accepts it is required to arrest.”
Charlotte Andrews-Briscoe, a lawyer with GLAN, said: “It is unconscionable that the UK continues to allow British-made components for F-35s to be used in Israel’s extermination campaign against Palestinians.”
“A two-way arms embargo on Israel should be implemented immediately, to prevent British arms being used by indicted war criminals for further serious violations against Palestinians.”
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We have suspended relevant export licences to Israel for use in military operations in the Gaza conflict, following a review into Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law which concluded there is a clear risk that UK export items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law.
“We would not comment on ongoing or potential future legal proceedings.”
