Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday called the British government’s partial suspension of arms sales to Israel a “shameful decision” that won’t stop the Jewish state’s determination to defeat Hamas.
“Days after Hamas executed six Israeli hostages, the UK government suspended thirty arms licenses to Israel,” the premier posted on X.
Days after Hamas executed six Israeli hostages, the UK government suspended thirty arms licenses to Israel.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 3, 2024
“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,” he continued.
“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,” wrote Netanyahu.
“Israel is pursuing a just war with just means, taking unprecedented measures to keep civilians out of harm’s way and comporting fully 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.”
Netanyahu concluded: “With or without British arms, Israel will win this war and secure our common future.”
The U.K. suspended some arms sales to the Israel Defense Forces on Monday, claiming there is a “clear risk” the weapons could be used by the Jewish state’s military to “commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy informed lawmakers that London would cancel 30 out of 350 licenses, banning the export of aircraft, drones, helicopters and ground-targeting equipment.
