Starmer reveals US ‘Understands’ UK’s move to partially suspend arms sales to Israel

• Starmer explains the US was informed about the suspension in advance.
• The suspension follows a review identifying a risk of British weapons being used by Israel in Gaza.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the suspension as a “shameful decision.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the US “understands” his government’s decision to partially suspend arms sales to Israel. He made these comments to the BBC after The Independent reported that Washington had expressed anger over the move.

Starmer said that the Biden administration “understands the decision we have taken” and was informed in advance about the suspension. Earlier this week, the UK suspended about 30 of its 350 arms export licenses to Israel following a review that identified a “clear risk” of British weapons or parts being used by Israel to violate international humanitarian law in its war in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the suspension as a “shameful decision” after Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced it.

Starmer told the BBC: “We have been talking to the US. We have been talking to the US beforehand and afterward, and they’re very clear that they’ve got a different legal system, and they understand the decision that we’ve taken.

“So, that’s very clear.”

Next week, Starmer will make his second visit to the US. He plans to meet President Joe Biden in Washington on Sept. 13 to discuss the “ever more pressing situation” in the Middle East and Ukraine.

“What I want to have the opportunity for is a more strategic discussion about the next few months in relation to Ukraine and in relation to the Middle East,” he said.

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