Campaigners are escalating their efforts to block the UK’s sale of F-35 jet engine components to Israel following the issuance of arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others.
The Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) and Al-Haq argue that British-made parts are being used in military operations in Gaza, in violation of international humanitarian law.
The campaigners have filed for an emergency high court injunction, urging the UK government to halt the sale of F-35 parts. The government has until Friday to file its defense. Charlotte Andrews-Briscoe, a lawyer with GLAN, called the continued sale “unconscionable,” stating, “As of Thursday, the UK is now arming suspected war criminals who have been indicted by the world’s pre-eminent criminal court.”
UK Government’s Position on F-35 Sales
At a high court hearing on November 18, UK ministers admitted that concerns over potential damage to the UK-U.S.
relationship played a role in their decision to continue allowing the export of certain arms components. Ministers also claimed that the F-35 parts are pooled and cannot be directly traced to Israel’s use in Gaza.
The Labour government reversed earlier Conservative policies allowing arms export licenses to Israel, citing risks that the arms could be used in violations of international humanitarian law.
ICC Arrest Warrants and International Backlash
Last week, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif, accusing them of war crimes related to the Gaza conflict. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office dismissed the ICC decision as “antisemitic.”
Al-Haq spokesperson Zainah El-Haroun emphasized the implications of the warrants, stating: “British weapons, particularly F-35 components, are being used to commit international crimes, including genocide.” The arrest warrants mark a significant step in the accountability efforts of human rights groups.
Debates Over Immunities and Aid Restrictions
The UK government’s stance on the ICC warrants remains under scrutiny. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has indicated that the UK will follow due process, while acknowledging debates about the legal immunities provided to elected leaders like Netanyahu.
In Parliament, Foreign Office Minister Anneliese Dodds acknowledged Israel’s inadequate efforts to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza. Dodds described the humanitarian situation as dire, exacerbated by famine, malnutrition, and the challenges of winter, calling for an immediate lifting of restrictions.
The issue also highlights divisions between the UK and the U.S. While the U.S. recently vetoed a UN resolution calling for an unconditional ceasefire, it initially threatened to withhold arms shipments to Israel over aid flow concerns—a position it has since reversed.
