by Dr. Kathryn Allinson, Lecturer in Law, University of Bristol
The UK government is currently in the High Court defending its ongoing supply of fighter jet components to Israel. The legal dispute centres on the government’s choice to exclude F-35 parts while halting 30 arms licenses to Israel in September 2024. The F-35 plays a crucial role in Israel’s operations in Gaza, enabling the deployment of highly destructive missile strikes. An incident on July 30 resulted in the deaths of 90 Palestinians and injuries to over 300. The lawsuit contends that the UK government’s policy violates the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria, which prohibit the sale of arms to nations where they could be used in violation of international law. (more…)