Legal implications loom for UK over F-35 exports to “Israel”

Senior British officials were warned they could face criminal charges if they continue to export UK-made components for F-35 fighter jets that may ultimately be sent to “Israel”, Middle East Eye (MEE) reported.

This caution was delivered in letters to key ministers, including those overseeing foreign affairs, business, and defense, from two advocacy groups poised to take legal action in the High Court.

The Palestinian human rights organization Al-Haq and the UK-based Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) have asserted that government ministers and arms industry executives could be implicated in aiding war crimes if they persist in facilitating these exports.

On September 2, the UK government announced the suspension of 30 arms export licenses to “Israel” due to concerns that these weapons could violate international humanitarian law in Gaza.

However, the suspension did not cover components for the F-35, which are sent to third-party nations and may reach “Israel”.

This oversight has alarmed campaigners and human rights advocates, who argue that these jets, 15 percent of which are produced in the UK, have played a crucial role in “Israel's” military actions.