In a significant development, three former Supreme Court justices
Over 600 members of the British legal profession have come together to urge the government to halt arms sales to Israel. They argue that such sales could potentially make Britain complicit in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, raising concerns of genocide.
Backing this call are two of the country’s leading intelligence experts, emphasizing the need for Britain to utilize its leverage to influence Israel and its major supporter, the United States, to change their approach to the conflict.
While the British government has been a steadfast ally of Israel since the eruption of hostilities, Foreign Secretary David Cameron has recently adopted a more unwavering stance on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Cameron emphasized the need for Israel to comply with international humanitarian law for Britain to grant export licenses allowing arms sales to Israel. A judgment on this matter is expected in the “coming days” following Cameron’s statement on March 8.
Despite the government’s position, senior members of Britain’s legal profession have voiced strong concerns, stating that halting arms sales is crucial to avoid “aiding and assisting an internationally wrongful act.” They have highlighted that the provision of military assistance and material to Israel could render the UK complicit in genocide and serious breaches of International Humanitarian Law.
One of the former justices, Jonathan Sumption, expressed on BBC Radio that the British government had seemingly overlooked its obligations under international law in this matter.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vehemently dismissed any suggestion of genocide as “outrageous,” affirming Israel’s unwavering commitment to international law.
Despite mounting pressure, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has resisted immediate calls to halt weapons sales to Israel, emphasizing the government’s adherence to a “very careful licensing regime.”
This development underscores the escalating debate and concerns surrounding Britain’s stance on arms sales to Israel, with legal and intelligence experts urging a reconsideration of the government’s position.
