UK High Court Rejects Palestinian Group's Illegal Arms Sales Claim to Israel

A coalition of Palestinian rights groups and legal organizations challenged the UK government’s decision to supply parts for F-35 fighter jets to Israel, arguing that it breached domestic and international law by enabling potential violations of humanitarian law in Gaza. The UK High Court dismissed these legal challenges, ruling that the matter falls under national security and is the prerogative of the executive branch, accountable to Parliament rather than the judiciary. The court acknowledged that while the UK suspended many arms export licenses over concerns of misuse in Gaza, it exempted F-35 components due to their strategic importance in international defense collaborations involving the US, Italy, Japan, and Israel. Critics contend this exemption creates a loophole allowing the UK to indirectly support military actions in Gaza, despite the government’s own assessments of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law. Activists and legal experts have condemned the decision, warning it undermines free speech and democratic principles, with protests planned against the UK's proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. The UK government maintains that its export controls are rigorous and will continue to be reviewed, asserting that the court ruling affirms its legal and security responsibilities.