JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that the British government made a “shameful decision” when it suspended some arms export licenses to Israel.
Britain’s foreign minister David Lammy said on Monday that the government had suspended 30 of 350 arms export licenses with Israel due to a risk the equipment could be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law.
The decision, which came a day after Israeli forces recovered the bodies of six hostages from a tunnel in Gaza, was quickly denounced by a number of Israeli ministers.
“This shameful decision will not change Israel’s determination to defeat Hamas, a genocidal terrorist organization that savagely murdered 1,200 people on October 7, including 14 British citizens,” Netanyahu said in a social media post.
“Hamas is still holding over 100 hostages, including 5 British citizens. Instead of standing with Israel, a fellow democracy defending itself against barbarism, Britain’s misguided decision will only embolden Hamas,” Netanyahu said.
“With or without British arms, Israel will win this war and secure our common future.”
Soon after Britain’s Labour Party won an election in July, Lammy said he would update a review on arms sales to ally Israel to ensure these complied with international law.
British exports amount to less than 1 percent of the total arms Israel receives, and the minister said the suspension would not have a material impact on Israel’s security and Britain continued to support its right to self-defense.
Both Israeli and Palestinian leaders are being investigated for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the wake of the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas in southern Israel which killed 1,200 people, by Israeli tallies.
The Israeli response in Gaza has killed more than 40,700 people, according to Palestinian health authorities.
Lammy said Monday’s decision was not a judgment on whether Israel had breached international law or not. Israel and Palestinian leaders have dismissed allegations of war crimes.
Netanyahu says ‘shameful’ of UK to halt some arms export licenses to Israel
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Netanyahu says ‘shameful’ of UK to halt some arms export licenses to Israel
- “This shameful decision will not change Israel’s determination to defeat Hamas,” Netanyahu said
- “Hamas is still holding over 100 hostages, including 5 British citizens”
GCC ambassadors hold discussions with Japan’s ruling party regarding Iran
- KONO Taro, head of the LDP’s international relations, participated in the high-level discussions alongside other senior officials
- Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Japan, described the meeting as a timely opportunity to exchange views on the evolving regional situation
TOKYO: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ambassadors met on Tuesday with leaders of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to explore deeper collaboration across multiple fields and tackle pressing issues related to Iran.
KONO Taro, head of the party’s international relations, participated in the high-level discussions alongside other senior officials.
Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Japan, described the meeting as a timely opportunity to exchange views on the evolving regional situation.
Ambassador Binzagr emphasized that during periods of heightened tension, open dialogue with trusted partners like Japan is essential. He noted that diplomacy and clear communication are vital for defusing conflict and maintaining regional stability.
Saudi Ambassador Binzagr further noted that the Gulf countries and Japan share a longstanding history of cooperation founded on mutual trust and common objectives of stability and prosperity. He stated, “In times such as these, it is precisely these enduring partnerships that allow constructive dialogue to prevail, and that help ensure that wisdom and restraint guide the path toward peace and stability in our region."
Kono underscored the strong bonds and active cooperation between Japan and the GCC, noting that Japan views its ties with the GCC as a strategic partnership.
