UK blocks 5 arms export licences to Israel (out of 182)
* | 13.07.2009 09:23 | Smash EDO | Anti-militarism | South Coast
Haaretz 03:02 13/07/2009
U.K. hits Israel with partial arms embargo over Gaza war
By Barak Ravid
Britain has slapped a partial arms embargo on Israel , refusing to supply replacement parts and other equipment for Sa'ar 4.5 gunships because they participated in Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip earlier this year.
Britain's Foreign Office informed Israel 's embassy in London of the sanctions a few days ago. The embassy, in a classified telegram to the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem , said the decision stemmed from heavy pressure by both members of Parliament and human rights organizations.
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. The licenses in question apparently cover spare parts for the ship's guns.
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Actually vastly increased arms sales
13.07.2009 13:06
In a review published earlier this year, Amnesty International highlighted Britain's role in supplying engines for the Hermes 450 drones, an aircraft widely used by the Israeli military in Gaza. A report by Human Rights Watch last week said that the weapons had killed dozens of civilians.
According to government figures, Britain has more than doubled its sale of weapons to Israel in recent years. In 2007, Britain sold £6 million of arms to Israel, while in 2008 it licensed £20 million in the first quarter alone. "
I don't know how the Times can call an increase from £6million a year to £20 million in 3 months 'doubling', it is at least a trebled and perhaps a yearly increase of more than thirteen fold.
Danny
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http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article6699852.ece