Netanyahu slams UK's 'shameful decision' on arms sales, Boris Johnson accuses Labour of 'abandoning Israel'

In his first response since the UK foreign secretary David Lammy told MPs some arms export licences were being suspended to Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday condemned the UK government’s decision, describing it as a “shameful decision” that would embolden a genocidal Hamas.

Long-standing ally of Israel former UK prime minister Boris Johnson too criticised Labour’s stance, accusing it of “abandoning Israel” and questioning if they wanted Hamas to win the conflict.

Earlier this year, Johnson had said that any consideration to end arms sales to Israel would be “insane” and “shameful”.

Netanyahu said his country is at war not only to secure its own interests but also to safeguard British hostages. He assured that the UK’s measures would not hinder Israel’s efforts to succeed in the conflict in Gaza.

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Taking to X, Netanyahu wrote, “This shameful decision will not change Israel’s determination to defeat Hamas, a genocidal terrorist organization that savagely murdered 1200 people on October 7, including 14 British citizens.”

This shameful decision will not change Israel's determination to defeat Hamas, a genocidal terrorist organization that savagely murdered 1200 people on October 7, including 14 British citizens.

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 3, 2024

He said a fellow democracy defending itself against barbarism, Britain’s misguided decision will only embolden Hamas.

Hamas is still holding over 100 hostages, including 5 British citizens.

Instead of standing with Israel, a fellow democracy defending itself against barbarism, Britain’s misguided decision will only embolden Hamas.

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 3, 2024

“Hamas is holding over 100 hostages, including 5 British citizens. Instead of standing with Israel, a fellow democracy defending itself against barbarism, Britain’s misguided decision will only embolden Hamas,” said Netanyahu.

Just as Britain’s heroic stand against the Nazis is seen today as having been vital in defending our common civilization, so too will history judge Israel’s stand against Hamas and Iran’s axis of terror.

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 3, 2024

“Just as Britain’s heroic stand against the Nazis is seen today as having been vital in defending our common civilization, so too will history judge Israel’s stand against Hamas and Iran’s axis of terror.

“With or without British arms, Israel will win this war and secure our common future,” Netanyahu added.

According to The Guardian, Netanyahu’s remarks suggest a looming diplomatic rift between Israel and the UK. Despite Britain’s efforts to frame its decision as measured and not a full embargo, Netanyahu faces intense criticism domestically, added the report.

Israeli critics argue Netanyahu’s stance on the ceasefire indirectly contributed to the deaths of six hostages by Hamas.

The Labour government’s decision is facing mounting backlash, with Boris Johnson accusing Labour of abandoning Israel and questioning if they want Hamas to win.

Taking to X, Johnson said, “Hamas is still holding many innocent Jewish hostages while Israel tries to prevent a repeat of the 7th October massacre. Why are Lammy and Starmer abandoning Israel? Do they want Hamas to win?”

Hamas is still holding many innocent Jewish hostages while Israel tries to prevent a repeat of the 7th October massacre. Why are Lammy and Starmer abandoning Israel? Do they want Hamas to win?

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) September 3, 2024

The Board of Deputies of British Jews criticised the timing, while others on the left were upset about a loophole allowing continued support for the F-35 fighter jet program. Even Peter Ricketts, a supporter of the ban, suggested ministers should explain the timing of the announcement given the recent hostage deaths, said the report.

Phil Rosenberg, the president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, criticised the government’s decision as sending a “terrible message”  in Israel’s “hour of need”.

“On the day that those beautiful people were being buried, kidnapped from a music festival like Reading or Glastonbury, the UK decides to send a signal that it’s Israel that it wants to penalise, and that is a terrible, terrible message to be sending both to Israel in its hour of need, also to Hamas about the consequences – where consequences are for the horrific actions that Hamas has taken as a terrorist organisation, but also to other allies and adversaries around the world. So it is the wrong decision taken very much at the wrong time,” The Guardian quoted Rosenberg as saying on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

Defence secretary John Healey, when asked if his decision had upset both sides of the conflict, he told Radio 4’s Today programme, “This is a government with a duty to the rule of law. This is not a decision about pleasing any side in this.”

He added that the government remained resolute in Israel’s right to self-defence and the decision “will not have a material impact on Israel’s security”.

On Monday, the UK announced it would immediately suspend 30 export licenses, including those for fighter planes, helicopters, and drones, following a review that identified a significant risk of these weapons being used in violation of international humanitarian law.

Britain has over 350 export licenses with Israel and has emphasized that this action does not constitute a full arms embargo. However, the UK has expressed serious concern over the high number of civilian casualties and the extensive destruction in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

With inputs from agencies