Britain to block arms exports to Israel if military action resumes

The British government will suspend some of its arms exports to Israel if its hostilities resume against Gaza due to concerns that the British-made products could be used by the Zionist army.

The business department said a review of UK exports to Israel had identified the 12 licences for "components which could be part of equipment used" by the army in Gaza. They include equipment for military radar, combat aircraft and tanks.

Vince Cable, the business secretary, said: "We welcome the current ceasefire in Gaza and hope that it will lead to a peaceful resolution. However, the UK government has not been able to clarify if the export licence criteria are being met. In light of that uncertainty we have taken the decision to suspend these existing export licences in the event of a resumption of significant hostilities.

"No new licences of military equipment have been issued for use by Israel ... the review period, and as a precautionary measure this approach will continue until hostilities cease."

The export suspension comes after a long and fierce battle within the coalition over restricting arms sales to Israel. The prime minister, David Cameron, and the foreign secretary, Philip Hammond, have been resisting demands from Cable and the deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg calling for the immediate suspension of exports.