Britain is considering widening restrictions on arms exports to Israel as part of a broader shift in policy towards Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, according to an exclusive report by Middle East Eye. The proposed measures, which have not yet been agreed, are reportedly being discussed ahead of announcements expected after the UK Parliament returns from its summer recess in September.

The discussions come less than a month after Andy Burnham became prime minister on 20 July, with Ed Miliband appointed foreign secretary on the same day. Middle East Eye reports that Miliband has been among those pressing for stronger measures, including possible restrictions on military goods, sanctions linked to the Israeli settler movement and a ban on products from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Any further restriction on weapons would build on the partial suspension introduced in September 2024. Following a review, ministers suspended around 30 of approximately 350 arms export licences to Israel after concluding that there was a “clear risk” that some items could be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. The suspended licences covered components for military aircraft, helicopters and drones, as well as equipment used for ground targeting.

But the decision then contained a major and concerning exemption. British components entering the multinational F-35 programme remained eligible for export through the global spare-parts pool, even though components sent directly to Israel were suspended. The government argued that halting Britain’s contribution to the pooled system could affect the worldwide F-35 fleet and have serious consequences for international security.

AOAV has repeatedly questioned that exemption.

In July 2025, we noted that ministers themselves acknowledged that British-made parts entering the global supply chain might ultimately reach Israeli aircraft, while defending the arrangement on strategic grounds. The International Development Committee had meanwhile urged the government to suspend licences where credible allegations of international humanitarian law violations existed and called for stronger due-diligence requirements on British arms companies.

AOAV’s February 2026 briefing note on the Israeli F-35I Adir found that the aircraft had been used extensively in Gaza, combining strike capacity with surveillance and battlefield intelligence. The aircraft can carry heavy guided munitions, including 1,000lb and 2,000lb bombs, and AOAV documented a confirmed F-35I strike on the al-Mawasi humanitarian area in 2024 in which 90 people were reported killed and 300 injured.

All of this sits within a much wider pattern of civilian harm.

As AOAV’s Explosive Violence Monitor 2025 shows, we recorded 45,362 civilian deaths and injuries from explosive weapons worldwide, representing 91% of all casualties recorded that year. Gaza was among the five territories suffering the highest levels of civilian harm, while air-launched weapons accounted for 62% of civilian casualties globally.

Britain’s military relationship with Israel has also continued in the opposite direction. AOAV reported in June that declared UK imports of Israeli goods classified as arms, ammunition, parts and accessories rose from $74,517 in 2023 to almost $8m in 2025.

For now, we are not holding our breath.

Middle East Eye says restrictions on further military exports are under discussion. No decision has been taken.

The critical question will be what happens to the F-35 exemption. A ban limited to direct exports would largely preserve the means for its continuing production (and future harm) established in 2024. A decision to restrict British components entering the global programme that prevents Israel being the ultimate recipient would represent a major break with previous policy. It would be a direct test of whether the Burnham government is prepared to place humanitarian concerns above the strategic and industrial arguments that have so far protected the F-35 supply chain.

We hope this Labour government puts principles before profit. We are not hopeful.