Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the United Kingdom’s decision to impose restrictions on arms exports to Israel, calling it “shameful.”
The UK’s move comes just days after the execution of six Israeli hostages by Hamas.
The British government has suspended 30 out of 350 licenses for arms exports to Israel, a decision Netanyahu claimed would not alter Israel’s resolve to defeat Hamas, which he described as a genocidal terrorist organization responsible for the “brutal killing” of 1,200 people in October, including 14 British citizens.
Netanyahu stressed Hamas still holds over 100 hostages, including five British citizens.
“Instead of supporting Israel, a democratic ally defending itself against barbarism, the UK’s misguided decision will only embolden Hamas,” Netanyahu said. “Israel is waging a just war using legitimate means and taking unprecedented measures to protect civilian lives, in full compliance with international law.”
He added that whether with or without British arms, Israel will win this war and “secure our shared future”.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced on Monday that a portion of arms export licenses to Israel would be suspended. Lammy clarified that the suspension of 30 licenses out of 350 did not constitute a total ban or embargo but concerned only those weapons that could potentially be used in violations of international law in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
