UK leader will keep trying to balance Israel policy

Significance

He said this was based on concerns that the relevant weapons could be used to violate human rights in Gaza. The decision to impose a partial ban has been criticised by Muslim groups and human rights activists as well as by Jewish groups and pro-Israeli factions in the United Kingdom.

Impacts

• The government’s decision not to impose an arms embargo will likely see protests continue outside the premises of UK arms manufacturers.
• Germany, one of Israel’s main suppliers, is unlikely to follow the United Kingdom in imposing a ban on arms exports to Israel.
• London may expand the arms exports ban, but an embargo is unlikely.