Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that the British government had taken a “shameful decision” when it suspended some arms export licenses to Israel, reports “Reuters”, quoted by News .bg.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on Monday that the government had suspended 30 of 350 arms export licenses to Israel over concerns that the equipment could be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law.
The decision, which came a day after Israeli forces pulled the bodies of six hostages from a tunnel in Gaza, was quickly condemned by a number of Israeli ministers.
„This shameful decision will not change Israel's determination to defeat 'Hamas,' a genocidal terrorist organization that brutally killed 1,200 people on October 7, including 14 British citizens," Netanyahu said in a social media post media.
„'Hamas' still holding over 100 hostages, including 5 British citizens. Instead of standing by Israel, another democracy defending itself against barbarism, Britain's misguided decision will only encourage 'Hamas,',“ added Netanyahu.
„With or without British arms, Israel will win this war and secure our common future.“
Soon after Britain's Labor Party won the July election, Lammy said he would update a review of arms sales to ally Israel to ensure they comply with international law.
British exports account for less than 1% of the total arms Israel receives and the minister said the suspension would not have a material impact on Israel's security, with Britain continuing to support its right to self-defence.
Both Israeli and Palestinian leaders are under investigation for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity following attacks by “Hamas” on October 7 in southern Israel, which killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli figures.
The Israeli response in Gaza has killed more than 40,700 people, according to Palestinian health authorities.
Lamy said Monday's ruling was not a judgment on whether or not Israel had violated international law. Israel and Palestinian leaders have rejected accusations of war crimes.