Minister Says Support for Israel ‘Unshakeable’ After Partial Arms Export Ban

The defence secretary has said the UK’s commitment to Israel’s self-defence was “unshakeable,” after the suspension of some arms exports to the Jewish state. On Monday, the government suspended around 30 of approximately 350 licences over what Foreign Secretary David Lammy said were concerns that they would be used in violation of international humanitarian law in the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Defence Secretary John Healey defended the government’s decision, saying the limited arms suspension “will not have a material impact on Israel’s security.” Healey told Times Radio on Tuesday that the UK has “a duty to follow the law, but this does not alter our unshakable commitment to support Israel’s right to self-defence and to the defence of Israel if it comes under direct attack again,” recalling when in April British jets helped intercept Iranian drones and missiles that were targeted at Israeli civilians....