Israel reacts with fury after Government imposes partial ban on arms exports despite Hamas executing six hostages
LABOUR has been accused of “shameful gesture politics” and caving to the mob by banning some sales of arms to Israel.
The Government was warned its decision to outlaw export licences for jet and drone parts to our key ally jeopardises intelligence-sharing, which protects Brits from terrorists.
The row comes as tens of thousands of angry Israeli protesters demanded a Gaza ceasefire — and the release of remaining hostages after six were executed by Hamas.
A general strike, called by unions, saw hospitals operating a reduced service, banks close and flights suspended at Ben Gurion Airport.
It was claimed the UK’s highly contentious decision stemmed from “pressure which Labour MPs have found in their seats, as a result of pro-Gaza protests”.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy stunned MPs with a surprise ban he insisted was not a punishment for Israel but due to a “clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law”.
It will affect some 30 export licences on products possibly being used in Gaza, out of a total of 350 currently approved.
But Israel hit back warning “suspending the export licences will have no impact on Israeli military but it’s a damaging symbolic event with implications”.
Israel’s defence minister Yoav Gallant said he was “deeply disheartened” by the decision, while the foreign minister Israel Katz added it “sends a very problematic message to Hamas and Iran”.
And a senior Israeli official branded it a “miserable and insensitive” move coming “the same day as we bury hostages executed by Hamas.”
The Israel Solidarity Movement warned it could put intelligence- sharing and the fight against Islamic extremism at risk.
It said: “By effectively appeasing Islamist and jihadist factions, the UK risks undermining its own security interests.
“Israel’s security forces have played a crucial role in counter-terrorism efforts worldwide, including providing invaluable expertise that has directly contributed to saving countless British lives.
“The UK’s decision to suspend arms sales overlooks the significant and ongoing cooperation between the two nations in the fight against terrorism.”
The Labour Friends of Israel group also said it was “deeply concerned”. It added: “We fear therefore these restrictions risk encouraging Israel’s enemies, leading to greater escalation rather than de-escalation.”
The move delighted MPs in Labour and on the left but others were quick to warn of dangerous consequences.
Ex-Deputy PM Oliver Dowden was “very concerned” it came just “days after six hostages were murdered by Hamas”. Tory leadership contender Robert Jenrick added: “This is shameful gesture politics to appease the hard Left. Sir Keir has put party management first, and Britain’s interests second.”
And DUP MP Sammy Wilson said Hamas had been offered “a line of hope”. He added: “It’s a decision which we will come to regret, and it’s one which, unfortunately, I believe has been a result of … pressure which Labour MPs have found in their seats, as a result of pro-Gaza protests.”
It came as four pro-Gaza MPs who took seats from Labour in July joined forces with ex-leader Jeremy Corbyn to attack the party from the left.
Shockat Adam, Ayoub Khan, Adnan Hussain and Iqbal Mohamed, all elected in densely Muslim-populated areas, formed a parliamentary group with the veteran left-winger.
But Tory leadership contender Kemi Badenoch yesterday blasted the “sectarian Islamist politics” that saw them elected.
She said: “When everyone was worried about the election of Reform MPs, I was far, far more worried about the five new MPs elected on the back of sectarian, Islamist politics — alien ideas which have no place here.”
Meanwhile, an outpouring of grief and despair turned to anger as Israelis accused prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu of having blood on his hands.
Up to 500,000 took part in demos across Israel. In Tel Aviv, protesters poured onto the Ayalon Highway as fires raged and police deployed water cannon.
They took to the streets to vent their fury after the six Israelis kidnapped on October 7 were shot dead by Hamas.
They were named as Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Master Sgt Ori Danino.
Three of them — Yerushalmi, Gat and Goldberg-Polin — were said to be among the next to be released. But negotiations stalled and they were executed by Hamas before special forces could get to them in time.