Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed Great Britain’s Labour government for stopping dozens of export licenses for military hardware — including components for fighter jets, helicopters and drones — only days after Hamas terrorists killed six hostages inside Gaza.
The decision to halt the weapon delivery was announced Monday in Parliament by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. He insisted that the suspension of 30 out of 350 military export licenses doesn’t mean London instituted an arms embargo against Israel.
But “for certain U.K. arms exports to Israel, there does exist a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law,” Mr. Lammy said. “Israel’s actions in Gaza continue to lead to an imminent loss of civilian life, widespread destruction to civilian infrastructure and immense suffering.”
On Tuesday, Mr. Netanyahu called the U.K. government’s decision “shameful.” He said it wouldn’t change Israel’s determination to defeat Hamas, which launched a rampage into southern Israel on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people, including 14 Brits.
“Hamas is still holding over 100 hostages, including five British citizens. Instead of standing with Israel, a fellow democracy defending itself against barbarism, Britain’s misguided decision will only embolden Hamas,” Mr. Netanyahu posted on X.
He said Israel is pursuing a “just war with just means” and is taking “unprecedented” measures to keep civilians out of harm’s way while fully comporting with international law.
“Just as Britain’s heroic stand against the Nazis is seen today as having been vital in defending our common civilization, so too will history judge Israel’s stand against Hamas and Iran’s axis of terror,” Mr. Netanyahu said. “With or without British arms, Israel will win this war and secure our common future.”
• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.
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