UK GVT Arms Export to Israel


On Sep. 2, UK GVT suspended 30 arms export licences to Israel.


  • UK GVT announced suspension of approximately 30 arms export licenses to Israel for use in military operations in Gaza over International humanitarian law (IHL) concerns.
  • License Suspension
  • Clear risk that certain military exports to Israel might be used in violations of IHL.
  • Sanctions announced against three individuals within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force and an IRGC unit for threatening the stability of the Middle East.
  • UK’s robust export licensing criteria states that UK GVT will not issue export licenses if items might be used to commit serious violations of IHL.
  • These assessments have led to serious concerns about aspects of Israel’s compliance.
  • A clear risk that items exported to Israel under the 30 licenses might be used in serious violations of IHL and is therefore suspending certain exports immediately.
  • The suspension will apply to around 30 items used in the current conflict in Gaza which go to the IDF, from a total of 350 licenses to Israel.
  • Items includes important components which go into military aircraft, incl fighter aircraft, helicopters, drones and items which facilitate ground targeting, used in Gaza.

Regulators UK GVT
Entity Types B/D; Bank; Ins; Inv Co; MSB
Reference PR, 9/2/2024
Functions AML; Compliance; Financial; Human Rights; Legal; Operations; Sanctions
Countries Israel; United Kingdom; Cross-Border
Category Central Government
State
Products Banking; Clearing; Deposits; Fund Mgt; Insurance; Loan; Securities
Regions EMEA
Rule Type Enforcement
Rule Date 9/2/2024
Effective Date 9/2/2024
Rule Id 224765
Linked to N/A
Reg. Last Update 9/2/2024
Report Section AML & Enforcement

Last substantive update on 09/05/2024