Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly criticised the British government’s recent decision to suspend thirty arms licenses to Israel. Netanyahu declared that despite the UK’s stance, Israel is committed to achieving victory in the ongoing conflict.
“With or without British arms, Israel will win this war and secure our common future,” stated the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel on X.
Describing the UK’s move as a “shameful” attempt that will not alter Israel’s resolve, Netanyahu remarked, “Instead of standing with Israel, a fellow democracy defending itself against barbarism, Britain‘s misguided decision will only embolden Hamas.”
Hamas’s violent actions on October 7 resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, including 14 British citizens. The group is also holding more than 100 hostages, including five British nationals.
The UK’s suspension of thirty out of 350 arms export licenses was prompted by concerns of a “clear risk” that these arms could be used in serious breaches of international humanitarian law. Foreign Secretary David Lammy informed Parliament on Monday that the partial ban includes items that could be used in the Gaza conflict against Hamas, but excludes parts for F-35 fighter jets, according to Al Jazeera.
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Netanyahu defended Israel’s military actions, asserting, “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.”
Drawing a historical analogy, Netanyahu compared Israel’s struggle against Hamas to Britain’s fight against the Nazi regime during World War II, stating, “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 emphasized that Israel remains committed to conducting a just war with ethical practices, highlighting the country’s efforts to minimize civilian casualties and adhere to international law. “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,” he reiterated.