UK imposes partial arms embargo on Israel
It's not as bad as it could have been, but it's still a very bad precedent. Britain has imposed a partial arms embargo on Israel because of its use of British weapons and ammunition in Operation Cast Lead. The embargo followed a government review of all British defense exports to Israel, which was announced three months ago. In total, the telegram said, Britain reviewed 182 licenses for arms exports to Israel, including 35 for exports to the Israel Navy. But it ultimately decided to cancel only five licenses, all relating to the Sa'ar 4.5 ships [pictured. CiJ]. The licenses in question apparently cover spare parts for the ship's guns.Yes, of course, we violated the 'proportionality' canard that is imposed on no other country in the world.
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The British said the embargo was imposed because these ships participated in Operation Cast Lead. In so doing, the British claimed, they violated the security agreements between Britain and Israel, which specify what uses may be made of British equipment.
Last week, Britain's foreign and defense ministries informed the relevant companies that they would have to cease their planned arms deals with Israel's navy.
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Foreign Ministry officials said that only a small percentage of Israel's defense-related imports come from Britain. According to data suppled by Britain's department of trade, these sales total some 20 million pounds - about NIS 130 million.
The British embargo is not expected to have any impact on the navy's operational capability. However, it has great political significance, and could encourage other countries to halt defense exports to Israel. The country considered most likely to be next is Belgium, which sells Israel equipment used to disperse demonstrations.
In response the British Embassy in Tel Aviv issued a statement saying, "On 21 April 2009 the Foreign Secretary issued a Written Ministerial Statement about U.K. exports to Israel which may have been used by the Israel Defense Forces during the conflict in Gaza. This statement makes clear that all exports are subject to stringent controls.
"The statement sets out clearly the detail of U.K. components in equipment that may have been used in Operation Cast Lead. U.K. equipment was not exported for specific use in Operation Cast Lead and export licenses were issued based on all the evidence available at the time they were granted.
"Future decisions will take into account what has happened in the recent conflict. We do not grant export licenses where there is a clear risk that arms will be used for external aggression or internal repression.
"We do not believe that the current situation in the Middle East would be improved by imposing an arms embargo on Israel. Israel has the right to defend itself and faces real security threats.
"This said, we consistently urge Israel to act with restraint and supported the EU Presidency statement that called the Israeli actions during operation Cast Lead 'disproportionate.'"
Bloody hell on the British. It's time for Israel to make more of its own weapons and keep some more Israelis employed.
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 5:04 PM
5 Comments:
this is rather funny, if you ask me.
the brits have taken part in the war on iraq, which we now all know was a war of choice that never needed to occur...in it, they didnt just kill thousands of innocents, but tens of thousands.
and they dare to pass moral judgement on israel?
england needs to have an embargo on itself
Israel should view this (and other developments to their West) as positive developments, imo. They are finding out rather painlessly at this point, who their true allies are. I should think the opportunity to establish a mutually beneficial military and economic relationship with India should be looking rather attractive to the two countries.
The British are hypocrites and its their way of getting back at the Jews for humiliating them at the end of the Mandate. And now they seek to punish Israel for defending itself. Israel doesn't need their arms. The canceled contracts are to London's loss.
What could go wrong indeed
I see that the British believe the year is 1948 and not 2009.
Does this mean that Israel will impose trade restriction with the Brits? I'm thinking the Brits buy more Israeli goods than the other way.
I could be wrong.
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