Israeli officials believe Britain will announce a suspension of security export licenses to Israel within days, sources familiar with the matter reported today (Monday).
A UK government spokesperson said a review of Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law is ongoing. This move follows the Labour Party's return to power in recent elections and comes after Britain recently withdrew objections to potential ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders.
The anticipated decision comes amid a series of policy shifts by the new Labour government. These include resuming funding for UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, and withdrawing objections to potential International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated, "Our commitment to international law is clear, and we are following the necessary processes." He added that a comprehensive review of Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law is underway.
Israeli officials express concern that other countries might follow suit, potentially impacting defense supply chains. Some European manufacturers have already delayed shipments of materials to Israeli defense industries in recent months.
The move is seen by some in Israel as connected to the International Court of Justice's recent call for countries to reconsider aid to Israel.
A senior Israeli political official, speaking on condition of anonymity, criticized the UK's withdrawal of objections to the ICC warrants as "fundamentally wrong" and harmful to "the right of all democracies to fight terrorism."
The UK's policy shift follows a change in government, with the Labour Party replacing the Conservatives after recent elections. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office confirmed the withdrawal of objections to the ICC warrants, stating it was an independent court decision.
This move, if confirmed, would represent one of the most concrete actions taken by a major Western ally in response to concerns over the ongoing conflict. It may also signal a broader recalibration of diplomatic and military support for Israel among its traditional allies.
* Ynet contributed to this article.