UK Suspends Trade Talks with Israel, But Key Deals Still Fuel Netanyahu’s Genocide Machine

The UK government has announced the suspension of new free trade negotiations with Israel. This move follows Israel’s expanding assault on Gaza and its continued blockade of humanitarian aid. But despite the shift in tone, Britain’s economic and military ties with Israel remain largely intact.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed the decision in Parliament. “We have suspended negotiations with this Israeli government on a new free trade agreement,” Lammy told MPs. He said talks could not continue with a government pursuing “egregious policies” in Gaza and the West Bank.

Lammy added that the UK is now reviewing its cooperation with Israel. “The Netanyahu government’s actions have made this necessary,” he said.

Israel’s genocide in Gaza has left tens of thousands dead and millions displaced. Aid groups warn of famine. Lammy called the situation “abominable,” saying civilians are now facing “starvation, homelessness, trauma,” along with renewed bombardment and displacement.

But behind the political rhetoric, the UK continues to uphold lucrative deals with Israel—deals that fund and sustain the very actions the UK now claims to oppose.

Ongoing UK-Israel Deals: Billions in Trade and Weapons

Despite the halt to new trade negotiations, the UK-Israel Trade Continuity Agreement—signed after Brexit—remains active. It allows tariff-free trade on 99% of goods. In 2022, total trade between the two countries reached £6.88 billion.

In addition to trade, military ties between the two countries remain strong.

The UK continues to export arms to Israel. In 2022, Britain approved £42 million in military exports to Israel. In 2023, that number dropped slightly to £18 million. But between 2015 and 2022, the UK licensed over £442 million in arms sales to Israel.

These exports include components for aircraft, drones, and targeting systems—many of which are used in the genocide in Gaza.

Britain Helps Build Israel’s F-35 Fleet

One of the UK’s most direct military contributions to Israel is through the F-35 fighter jet program. British companies manufacture around 15% of each F-35 jet, including vital components.

Since 2016, Israel has received dozens of these US-made jets, each containing British-made parts. The UK’s total contribution to Israeli F-35s is estimated at £336 million.

These jets are a central feature of Israel’s air assaults on Gaza.

The 2030 Roadmap: Still in Place

Another key agreement still in effect is the UK-Israel 2030 Bilateral Roadmap, signed in March 2023. It aims to deepen cooperation in security, science, cyber, climate, and more.

While exact financial details are not public, the agreement signals ongoing support and strategic alignment in sensitive fields.

 UK Condemns, Yet Still Enables

Human rights groups say the UK’s actions are contradictory. While condemning Israel’s genocide, Britain continues to supply weapons and economic benefits.

“The change in tone from the UK government about some of the atrocities committed by Israel and the desperate situation in Gaza is hollow and will not save lives,” stated British MP Iqbal Mohamed. “Ending all arms sales will.”

The UK’s decision to suspend trade talks marks a shift in public rhetoric. But its financial and military support for Israel tells another story. Billions in trade, hundreds of millions in arms, and high-level cooperation continue—even as Gaza bleeds.

Until the UK reconsiders its core agreements, critics say, its condemnation of Israeli actions will ring hollow.