Britain is reviewing Israel arms export licences

Britain is undertaking a second review of arms export licences to Israel to ensure equipment could not be used in a way that would breach international law, the government said on Monday.

The government has already conducted one such review, in August, in response to Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza after which it said it would suspend 12 licences to export military items to Israel if hostilities resumed.

It said on Monday it was conducting another review a day after Israeli forces shot dead a Palestinian in the Gaza Strip near the border with Israel, the first such fatality since a 50-day war ended in August.

"To ensure that new information is taken into account, and in light of the fact that a ceasefire has been in place for more than two months, ministers decided earlier this month to carry out a further review," a government spokeswoman said in a statement.

The earlier August review had found that the "vast majority" of exports licensed for Israel were not for items that could be used by Israeli forces in Gaza, she added.

A report by a British parliamentary committee in July found outstanding government-approved contracts for export of dual use or military goods to Israel worth more than 7.8 billion pounds. These included contracts to supply body armour, drone components, and missile parts.

Lobby group the Campaign Against Arms Trade published an analysis of government data on Monday which showed Britain had approved military licences to Israel worth £7 million in the six months leading up to the war in Gaza.

The government said it did not dispute the figure.

News
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest

Of the eight children murdered during lockdown, 7 were killed thanks to the actions of a step parent or new partner.

Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running
Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high
Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high

Across the country, people are looking to the church for help.

Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year

Isaiah 41:10 had the highest international engagement on YouVersion during 2025, while in the UK it was Jeremiah 29:11 that topped the list.