Britain denies arms embargo on Israel

Tuesday, 14 July 2009 07:09 Xinhua
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Israel, July 13 (Xinhua) The British embassy in Tel Aviv confirmed Monday that the UK had revoked a number of arms export licenses to Israel following the Gaza war, but insisted that the move did not constitute a partial embargo.
"There is no partial UK arms embargo on Israel," the embassy was quoted by local daily Ha'aretz as saying in a statement. "UK policy remains to assess all export licenses to Israel against the consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria."
The statement was issued in response to a Monday report by Ha'aretz that Britain had indeed slapped a partial arms embargo on Israel, refusing to supply replacement parts and other equipment for Sa'ar 4.5 gunships because they participated in the Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip earlier this year.
The statement added that "We reassessed these licenses against the UK and EU consolidated criteria. We judged that in a small number of cases, Israeli action in Operation Cast Lead would result in the export of those goods now contravening the consolidated criteria. These licenses have been revoked."
Britain's Foreign Office informed Israeli embassy in London of the move a few days ago, said Ha'aretz, adding that the embassy, in a classified telegram to Israeli Foreign Ministry, said the British decision stemmed from heavy pressure by both members of Parliament and human rights organizations.
The decision followed a government review of all British defense exports to Israel, which was announced three months ago.
In total, the telegram said, Britain reviewed 182 licenses for arms exports to Israel, including 35 for exports to Israeli Navy. But it ultimately decided to cancel only five licenses, all relating to the Sa'ar 4.5 ships. The licenses in question apparently cover spare parts for the ships' guns.
Last week, Britain's foreign and defense ministries informed the relevant companies that they would have to cease their planned arms deals with Israel Navy.
According to Ha'aretz, the British move is not expected to have any impact on Israel Navy's operational capability. However, it has great political significance and could encourage other countries to halt defense exports to Israel.

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