US Backs UK Decision on Arms Licenses Suspension to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict

A day after the UK suspended some arms licenses to Israel due to the Gaza conflict, the US expressed respect for the UK's assessment based on its legal framework. US State Department affirmed that both nations have processes under review and emphasized the alliance with the UK and Israel.

A day after the United Kingdom suspended some arms licenses to Israel amid the Gaza conflict, the United States asserted its respect for the UK's decision, based on the legal framework. The US State Department emphasized that both countries make assessments based on their legal frameworks, and ongoing processes are still under review.

'It's not that we disagree with the UK position. It's that the UK makes an assessment based on their legal framework, as is appropriate for them to do. We make an assessment based on our own legal frameworks and looking at, in very - in many cases the same facts, but we have processes that are still ongoing and incidents that still remain under review,' stated Miller during a press briefing. He avoided commenting on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's remarks, affirming that the UK and Israel remain US allies.

'When it comes to assessing the decision, again, I'm not going to comment on what the prime minister says. Both of these countries are allies of the United States. The United Kingdom is an ally of the United States, and we respect the work that they do,' he added. This follows the UK's decision to suspend 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, citing a 'clear risk' of breaching international humanitarian law.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy informed parliament that the partial ban includes items pertinent to the Gaza conflict but exempts parts for F-35 fighter jets. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the UK's action, asserting it may embolden Hamas and undermine Israel's defense objectives.

'With or without British arms, Israel will win this war and secure our common future,' declared the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel on X. Netanyahu described the UK's decision as 'shameful,' arguing it will not deter Israel's determination to defeat Hamas.

(With inputs from agencies.)