British Foreign Minister David Lammy said the suspension would not have a material impact on Israel's security and Britain continued to support its right to self-defence
-- Got it! That's a relief!!
From: The Conversation September 5, 2024 The UK’s suspension of some arms exports to Israel was highly political – here’s how to understand it. Arms sales are political choices
The way Lammy has applied these restrictions underscores the extent to which such decisions are political. Although the suspensions were couched in legal language and justified on international humanitarian law grounds, they are ultimately a political statement.
The UK government is expressing its disapproval of Israel’s conduct in Gaza in a way that reflects the political context within which they are operating.
1. It has sent a message to the Israeli government without making any real difference to Israel’s capacity to defend itself. 2. And it has couched that decision in legal terms to avoid clashing with the US government on the matter.
The previous government received similar legal advice but chose not to act. This was an equally political choice.
Making this decision shores up the UK’s credibility as a supporter of international humanitarian law at home and abroad.
If it encourages compromise and a hostage deal, the hope is that the hostages, including 14 British citizens, might return home and the people of Gaza might be able to rebuild their lives.
