UK blocks more than 80 export licenses to ‘Israel’

• The UK says it has now suspended or rejected more than 80 export licenses linked to items that could be used in Gaza, up from around 30 suspended in September 2024.
• British-made components for the global F-35 program remain largely exempt, with the government citing the wider international supply chain and security implications.

The British government has suspended or rejected more than 80 export licenses for items that could be used by the ‘Israeli’ military in Gaza, according to Middle East Minister Stephen Doughty and a report by the Jewish Chronicle.

Around 30 licenses were suspended when the UK first introduced restrictions in September 2024. Since then, more than 50 additional applications have been rejected, bringing the total number of suspended or refused licenses to more than 80.

Doughty said measures introduced on September 8 created what he described as a “double lock” on relevant exports.

Under the new approach, applications are assessed against existing criteria concerning international humanitarian law as well as whether exports would materially contribute to what the British government has determined is the unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory.

The government said all existing licenses remain under continuous review and that licenses can be suspended or revoked if they are found to materially contribute to the occupation.

Doughty said he had personally reviewed licenses to ensure that permitted exports were not being used in military operations in Gaza. He also stressed that not all licenses concern weapons or military equipment, citing examples including cystic fibrosis medication and protective equipment for journalists and nongovernmental organizations.

The restrictions do not cover most British-made components supplied to the international F-35 fighter jet program. The UK stopped direct exports of F-35 aircraft to ‘Israel’, but continues to supply components through the program's global supply chain.

Doughty defended the policy, arguing that withdrawing British components from the wider program could have serious consequences for the F-35 supply chain and the security interests of Britain and its allies.

UK government data published in February showed that F-35-related licenses remained among the military licenses still in force where ‘Israel’ was a potential end user, while direct exports of F-35 components to ‘Israel’ were suspended.