Britain Freezes Over 80 Arms Export Licenses for Items Linked to IDF

Britain has tightened its restrictions on Israel, freezing or delaying more than 80 arms export licenses for items that could potentially be used by the IDF. Stephen Doughty, Britain's Middle East Minister, revealed that the number of frozen licenses has nearly tripled since restrictions first came into effect in September 2024, when around 30 licenses were initially suspended under then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

Speaking to the British Jewish publication The Jewish Chronicle, Doughty stated that he personally reviewed every license. The stricter policy now includes a requirement to evaluate the legality of Israel's presence in the territories, alongside compliance with international humanitarian law. However, shipments for the F-35 fighter jet manufacturing program have been almost entirely exempted due to national security considerations and allied commitments.

Despite the expanded restrictions, political figures continue to debate the approach. Foreign Secretary David Miliband recently received applause at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, where he addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza and defended the government's decision to ban trade with settlements in the West Bank.

Policy Implications and Trade Restrictions

The British government's updated stance involves a dual-lock mechanism preventing approvals for sensitive military equipment. While spare parts for the F-35 program remain protected to avoid severely damaging Europe's broader security apparatus, an additional 50 export licenses have been officially added to the freeze list.

Critics, including Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Emily Thornberry, have argued that the decisions are primarily political rather than legal. Meanwhile, the broader diplomatic fallout underscores shifting dynamics between London and Jerusalem as the conflict in the Gaza Strip continues.