UK Suspends Arms Sales to Israel, Splitting with US Policy

The UK and US have diverged on their policies regarding Israel’s war with Hamas, with the UK suspending some arms sales to the country while the US maintains its full support, Sky News reports.

On Monday, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the suspension of 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, marking the first significant divergence in policy between the two countries since the October 7 attacks.

This move comes as US officials reaffirm their unwavering support for Israel.

On Tuesday, US State Department spokesperson Matt Miller confirmed that the US will not be halting arms sales to Israel, despite the UK’s decision. While acknowledging that the two countries had discussed the matter before the announcement, Miller stated that the US position remains unchanged.

“The UK is a sovereign country, it’s a decision for them to make ultimately,” said Miller when asked about the US perspective on the UK’s decision.

This difference in policy comes as the US has announced criminal charges against senior Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, in connection with the October 7th attacks.