Imposing a blanket arms embargo on Israel would not promote progress in the Middle East Peace Process. Defence and security exports support states' legitimate right to self-defence, security and law and order.
Britain takes its arms export responsibilities very seriously and operates one of the most robust licensing systems in the world. All export licence applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, taking into account all relevant factors at the application.
A license would not be issued for any country if to do so would be inconsistent with any provision of the mandatory criteria, including where it is assessed that there is a clear risk that it might be used in the commission of a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law. The Government continues to monitor the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and takes into account the latest circumstances when assessing licence applications.