UK Suspends More Than 80 Arms Export Licences to Israel
The British government has suspended more than 80 export licences for military equipment that could potentially be used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza. This step has been taken amidst increasing scrutiny of British military support and the implementation of new restrictions targeting exports that support the occupation of Palestinian territories.
According to reports from The Jewish Chronicle, this figure includes approximately 30 licences suspended in September 2024 and more than 50 subsequent applications that were rejected. Nevertheless, the UK continues to approve exports that meet its licensing criteria.
A source within the British government denied narratives suggesting an expansion of the arms ban. Speaking to The Times of Israel on Tuesday (29/09/2026), the source stated that the additional rejections related to new applications being assessed under existing restrictions regarding Gaza.
The restrictions target the occupation. The policy implemented by the British government on 8 September introduced additional requirements for export approvals: applications for weapons and other goods that contribute materially to the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories will be rejected.
The Minister for Middle East Affairs, Stephen Doughty, described this approach as a “double lock”. This policy combines existing provisions regarding violations of international humanitarian law with considerations regarding the illegality of the occupation.
“Applications must be considered both in relation to the provisions we have set regarding violations of international humanitarian law, and the illegality of the occupation itself. Therefore, this is a very significant step forward,” said Doughty.
However, a parliamentary response published on 16 September confirmed that no additional licences have been revoked or suspended since the announcement on 8 September. The government stated that this was largely because licences for equipment potentially supporting the occupation had already been suspended due to its potential use in Gaza.