UK Chief Rabbi Criticizes Suspension of Arms Sales to Israel: Will Encourage Our Enemies

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Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, the Chief Rabbi of Britain, expressed strong disapproval on Monday regarding the British government’s recent decision to halt some of its arms sales to Israel.

“It beggars belief that the British government, a close strategic ally of Israel, has announced a partial suspension of arms licenses, at a time when Israel is fighting a war for its very survival on seven fronts forced upon it on the 7th October, and at the very moment when six hostages murdered in cold blood by cruel terrorists were being buried by their families,” Rabbi Mirvis wrote on social media site X.

Rabbi Mirvis continued by highlighting the serious challenges Israel is facing. “As Israel faces down the threat of Iran and its proxies, not just to its own people, but to all of us in the democratic west; this announcement feeds the falsehood that Israel is in breach of International Humanitarian Law, when in fact it is going to extraordinary lengths to uphold it. Sadly, this announcement will serve to encourage our shared enemies. It will not help to secure the release of the remaining 101 hostages, nor contribute to the peaceful future we wish and pray for, for all people in the region and beyond,” he added.

He concluded with a call for unity between Britain and Israel, saying, “Britain and Israel have so much to gain by standing together against our common enemies for the sake of a safer world. Surely that must be the way forward.”

Earlier that day, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy revealed the UK’s decision to suspend certain arms sales to Israel.

This suspension, affecting approximately 30 out of 350 arms sales licenses, was announced shortly after the tragic discovery of six Israeli hostages who were brutally murdered by Hamas in a tunnel beneath Rafah.

“Facing a conflict such as this, it is this government’s legal duty to review Britain’s export licenses,” Lammy said. “This is not a blanket ban, this is not an arms embargo.”

Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant voiced his deep concern over the UK’s decision, stating, “Deeply disheartened to learn of the sanctions placed by the U.K. Government on export licenses to Israel’s defense establishment. This comes at a time when we fight a war on 7 different fronts – a war that was launched by a savage terrorist organization, unprovoked. At a time when we mourn 6 hostages who were executed in cold blood by Hamas inside tunnels in Gaza. At a time when we fight to bring 101 hostages home.”

Gallant reaffirmed his support for Israel’s military efforts, saying, “I stand by our troops and security agencies working with immense courage, professionalism and moral values. We remain committed to defending the State of Israel and her people.”

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, also responded, expressing disappointment in the British government’s recent decisions. “Israel is disappointed by the British government’s recent series of decisions, including the latest decision regarding security exports to Israel, the British Government’s decision to withdraw its request to submit an amicus brief to the ICC, and its stance on UNRWA, as well as the UK’s recent conduct and statements in the UN Security Council.”

Katz emphasized Israel’s adherence to international law and expressed expectations of support from allied nations. “Israel is a law-abiding state that operates in accordance with international law and has an independent and respected judicial system – we expect friendly countries, such as the UK, to recognize this all year-round, especially just days after Hamas terrorists executed six Israeli hostages, during intense negotiations for the release of the hostages and for a ceasefire, and in light of the recent threats by the Iranian regime to attack the State of Israel.”

He warned of the potential negative implications of the UK’s actions, stating, “A step like the one taken by the UK now sends a very problematic message to the Hamas terrorist organization and its backers in Iran.”

Katz concluded with a hope for the continuation of strong relations between the UK and Israel. “We hope that the deep friendship between the UK and Israel, which has been maintained throughout all the years since the founding of the State of Israel, will continue in the future.”

Lammy’s predecessor, David Cameron, had previously opposed banning arms sales to Israel, arguing that such a move would not solve the conflict and would only serve to strengthen Hamas.

{Matzav.com}

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