Independent readers divided over Keir Starmer’s decision to suspend some arm sales to Israel

While some viewed the arms suspension as a mere ‘token gesture’ that doesn’t go far enough, others argued Israel has a right to defend itself

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has suspended around 30 of the UK’s 350 arms export licenses to Israel (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Last week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer suspended around 30 of the UK’s 350 arms export licenses to Israel, sparking strong reactions.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasised that while the UK continues to support Israel, the decision was made due to the “clear risk” of UK-supplied weapons being used to breach international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the treatment of Palestinian detainees and aid access to Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move as “shameful,” and Tory leadership candidate Robert Jenrick echoed this sentiment, calling it “gesture politics” aimed at appeasing the left.

When we asked for your views, comments were divided on the UK’s decision. Many supported the suspension, criticising Israel’s actions.

However, some viewed the arms suspension as a mere “token gesture” with no significant impact on Israel’s military capabilities.

Opponents argued that Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas, a terrorist organisation, and that restricting arms sales will only embolden such groups. Meanwhile, a broader anti-arms trade sentiment emerged, with some advocating for a universal ban on all arms sales.

The decision continues to fuel debate, with figures like Lord Carlile praising Starmer’s “courage” but criticizing Netanyahu for hindering peace efforts. Overall, the UK’s role in the Israel-Palestine conflict remains highly contentious, both domestically and internationally.

Here’s what you had to say:

Avoiding ‘easily accessible prosecution’

Yes [the UK is right to restrict arms sales to Israel] whilst we are within the International Criminal Court. British politicians do not have to put themselves in danger of easily accessible prosecution whilst Israel, USA, Russia and China do not face the same constraints.

Mynamewhocares

‘A murderous regime’

Why are we supporting a murderous regime which believes it has a divine right to murder innocent women and children so that it can steal their land?

Please remember this country was awfully chummy with the apartheid regime in South Africa.

Galileo666

‘Big bucks = big production’

All arms sales should be banned forever to one and all. Humanity has never learned, but big bucks = big production.

beckyhen

‘Israel has every right to protect their people’

No [the UK isn’t right to restrict arms sales to Israel]. The British government is bowing to terrorist Hamas which is as obscene to democracy as it is encouraging to other terrorist organisations.

Israel has every right to protect their people from terrorist attacks and abuses and Hamas will be emboldened.

Indythinkster

‘Too little too late’

It's too little too late and more should be done because of the huge part that Britain played in the historic injustice that is being perpetuated in Palestine.

lakshmanab

‘Token gesture’

Half-arsed by Starmer, no surprise.

It is a deliberate token gesture, probably soon to be overturned by Israeli-backed lawyers as the only stated cause for government action was an insufficient amount of aid entering Gaza.

No mention of women and infants killed; hospitals, schools, UN shelters destroyed; aid workers killed; doctors abducted, torture; journalists targeted...

Thenweallare

Increasing isolation

The UK Defence Secretary, John Healey, says this suspension of arms sales to Israel will have no 'material impact' on Israel's security. So it will not hobble Israel's ability to kill. Labour seems to be congratulating itself on not having saved lives.

Stopping a mere eight per cent of arms sales, while continuing to send Israel the parts for the fighter planes still accessing UK facilities in Cyprus, is a pitiful sop to international law and the mighty pro-Palestinian movement in the UK and around the world. It will fool neither.

The US, UK and Germany are increasingly isolated as the rest of the world condemns this brutal settler state and strives to save Palestine and the Palestinians from elimination.

nakaserokid

‘More shame’

I don't think anyone think it's brave. Most reasonable people are ashamed by the UK enabling war crimes.

Blair was never forgiven. Now Sunak and Starmer have heaped more shame on its tattered reputation.

Geoff Allibone

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