UK's Foreign Policy Shift Reflects Growing Skepticism Towards Israel Amid Gaza Crisis

In a notable shift in foreign policy, the UK government has articulated a more Israel-sceptic stance in response to the ongoing situation in Gaza. This change marks the third time within two months that the new government has adjusted its approach to Israel and the broader Middle Eastern conflict, a pivot that aligns with the more cautious views held by current officials, particularly since David Lammy took on the role of foreign secretary in early July. Upon assuming his position, Lammy requested a comprehensive assessment regarding the legality of Israel's military actions, particularly in the context of international law. The findings of this assessment mirrored those of previous inquiries conducted by the former government; however, the current ministers have arrived at a significantly different conclusion regarding military exports to Israel. Under existing UK legislation, notably the Export Control Act 2002 and the Export Control Order 2008, there are stringent regulations governing the sale of military goods. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasized that following a thorough evaluation, the government found a "clear risk" that military exports to Israel could be implicated in serious violations of international humanitarian law, particularly in relation to operations in Gaza. It is important to note the scale of this decision; out of approximately 350 arms exports to Israel, only 30 licenses are being suspended—representing less than 10% of the total. Moreover, the UK's overall role as a military supplier to Israel is relatively minor in the grand scheme of international arms trade. Nonetheless, the implications of such policy changes resonate deeply within both domestic and international political spheres. The Israeli government was reportedly informed of this decision prior to its public announcement and has expressed disappointment over the UK's stance. This reaction underscores the delicate balance the UK must navigate in its foreign relations, particularly with a key ally in the region. In the opposition, Andrew Mitchell, the shadow foreign secretary and former deputy foreign secretary, initially refrained from criticism. However, he later expressed concern that the government's actions appeared to be an attempt to appease Labour's backbenchers while avoiding alienation of Israel, suggesting that this dual approach may ultimately prove ineffective. Despite the government's insistence that their legal obligations necessitate the suspension of these export licenses, they have framed their decision as one of "deep regret." This narrative seems aimed at mitigating potential backlash from both the UK public and the international community while adhering to legal standards governing arms exports. As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the ramifications of this policy shift will likely play out against the backdrop of ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The balancing act of addressing humanitarian concerns while maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel poses a complex challenge for the UK government moving forward.