High Court Approves Britain's Controversial F-35 Component Exports to Israel Amid Legal Challenges

London's High Court ruled that Britain's decision to allow the export of F-35 fighter jet components to Israel was lawful, despite potential breaches of international humanitarian law. The ruling followed legal action by Al-Haq, amid the ongoing Israeli military campaign which has led to significant humanitarian concerns in Gaza.

The High Court in London has ruled that the UK's decision to permit the export of F-35 fighter jet components to Israel, despite accusations of breaching international humanitarian law, is lawful. The legal challenge was initiated by Al-Haq, an organization based in the West Bank, against the Department for Business and Trade.

According to the court, suspending the licenses for these components would disrupt a global program vital for international security, also affecting the UK's defense alliances. Despite Israel's non-compliance status with international law, the court upheld Britain's stance, noting that such decisions are executive, not judicial, matters.

The decision has drawn criticism from several human rights groups, including Oxfam, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch. Meanwhile, the UK government maintains that this ruling reinforces Britain's strong export control system, promising rigorous review processes for future licensing.

(With inputs from agencies.)