The UK and US have split over their policies in regard to Israel and its war with Hamas, after the government suspended some arms sales to the country.
On Monday, Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that 30 of 350 arms export licences to Israel would be suspended.
The move marked the UK’s first wholesale divergence with the US since the 7 October attacks and came as US officials were reaffirming their support for Israel.
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Democratic presidential nominee and US vice president Kamala Harris reaffirmed her support for Israel in recent days. Pic: Reuters
Last week, Kamala Harris told CNN she wouldn’t waver in her backing of Israel.
“Let me be very clear. I’m unequivocal and unwavering in my commitment to Israel’s defence and its ability to defend itself,” she said.
Then, on Tuesday, Matt Miller, a spokesman for the US Department of State said the UK’s decision had no bearing on the US and they wouldn’t be stopping arms sales.
He said: “They came to this conclusion. We have reviews that are ongoing.”
Mr Miller did say that the two countries had spoken before the announcement, but that the US position remained unchanged.
Deflecting from a question over how the US felt about the UK’s decision, Mr Miller instead said: “The UK is a sovereign country, it’s a decision for them to make ultimately.”
US announces charges against Hamas leaders
The difference in policy comes as the US announced criminal charges against senior Hamas leaders including Yahya Sinwar, in connection with the 7 October attacks.
Sinwar in 2021, during an anti-Israel rally in Gaza City. Pic: Reuters
The impact of the case is mostly symbolic as Hamas’ newly elected leader Sinwar is believed to be deep in hiding within Gaza and three of the six defendants are thought to be dead.
The charges were initially filed in February under seal but given the death of Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh in July, and other developments, there was less need for secrecy.
“The charges unsealed today are just one part of our effort to target every aspect of Hamas’ operations,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a video statement. “These actions will not be our last.”
Protests for third consecutive night
Meanwhile large protests have continued for the third consecutive night in Tel Aviv, as many Israelis demand their government reach a deal to bring the hostages home.
In the 7 October attack around 1,200 people were killed by Hamas and over 200 people taken hostage – triggering an invasion that has claimed over 40,000 Palestinian lives.
One of Israel’s stated key aims of this war has been to get the hostages home safe, but Mr Netanyahu has come under increasing criticism for his prolonged failure to do so – with many Israelis now holding him responsible for the hostage deaths.
A demonstrator holds a sign calling for an immediate ceasefire deal amid protests on Tuesday night. Pic: AP
A flare burns on the third night of protests as Israelis demand a ceasefire deal to free the remaining hostages. Pic: AP
This week has seen large-scale protests against Mr Netanyahu’s government for its handling of any attempts to free hostages. Pic: Reuters
Hundreds took to the streets on Tuesday night following threats of a general strike earlier this week.
One key sticking point in ceasefire talks is Mr Netanyahu’s insistence on Israeli control over the Gaza-Egypt border – in the form of the Philadelphi corridor.
Benny Gantz, a former defence minister and military chief of staff, said Israel’s focus should be on bringing the hostages home instead.
He said Israel could return to the Philadelphi corridor if needed, describing it as an “operational challenge, not an existential threat”.
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He was joined in his criticism by another former military chief Gabi Eisenkot.
They resigned from Mr Netanyahu’s cabinet in June, accusing him of putting his own political survival ahead of the country’s interests.