Legislation9/29/2026

Britain Froze More Than 80 Export Licenses for Supplies to Israel

Britain has suspended or denied more than 80 licenses for exports to Israel of products that could be used by the IDF in the Gaza Strip. This represents a tightening of the restrictions imposed in September 2024, although the supply of parts for F-35 aircraft was almost entirely exempted from them.

Key facts

•More than 80 export licenses were suspended or denied
•Another 50 licenses were added to approximately 30 previously suspended
•The original restrictions have been in effect since September 2024
•The initial count included approximately 350 licenses in total
•Spare parts for F-35 aircraft were almost entirely exempted from the restrictions

What Restrictions Were Imposed

The British minister for the Middle East, Stephen Doughty, said that another 50 licenses had been added to approximately 30 licenses previously suspended. According to him, the new measures create a “double lock” mechanism for granting permits. Doughty stated that he had personally reviewed every license.

On What Basis

When reviewing the licenses, the British authorities assess compliance with the rules of international humanitarian law. The stricter policy also requires an examination of the legality of the presence in the territories. The chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Emily Thornberry, described the approach as political rather than legal.

Exemption for the F-35 Program

Supplies to the international program for the production and maintenance of F-35 fighter jets were almost entirely exempted from the restrictions. The British government explains this on the grounds of national security considerations and commitments to its allies. According to Doughty, halting the supply of spare parts would have severely harmed Europe’s broader defense system.

This Is Not a Full Arms Embargo

Britain initially suspended approximately 30 out of roughly 350 export licenses related to arms supplies to Israel. The foreign secretary at the time, David Lammy, emphasized that the decision was not an arms embargo and concerned primarily offensive rather than defensive equipment. The source reports a tightening of this policy but does not provide the full list of affected products and companies.

What this means for you

For residents of Israel, the decision does not impose any new personal prohibitions or obligations. Its practical implications may include restrictions on certain British supplies to Israel’s defense sector, while components for F-35 aircraft will continue to be supplied under the stated exemption. The specific impact on particular contracts depends on whether the product is subject to a suspended license.

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