Mon Jun 30 11:41:52 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**UK Court Rules Government Can Allow F-35 Parts Exports to Israel Despite International Law Concerns**

**London, UK** – The UK High Court has ruled that the British government’s decision to allow the export of Lockheed Martin F-35 jet parts to Israel is lawful, even amid concerns the parts could be used in violation of international humanitarian law in Gaza.

The ruling, issued Monday by Judges Stephen Males and Karen Steyn, stated that the decision to withdraw from a multilateral defense collaboration due to potential violations of international law is a matter for the executive branch, not the courts. The court acknowledged the “acutely sensitive and political issue” falls under the purview of the government, which is accountable to Parliament and the electorate.

The case was brought forward by Palestinian human rights organization Al-Haq, which argued that the UK Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) decision to exempt the F-35 parts from a partial export ban, imposed in September of last year, was unlawful. Al-Haq contended that the exports risked facilitating crimes due to the potential use of the jets in Gaza.

The UK government argued that halting the exports would negatively impact the entire F-35 program, affecting international peace and security. Britain contributes approximately 15% of the components for each F-35 jet, manufactured under a global program involving numerous countries.

While the court sided with the government, it acknowledged the potential for the UK to be in breach of international law.

Shawan Jabarin, head of Al-Haq, expressed disappointment but highlighted the case’s success in amplifying Palestinian voices. He pledged to continue challenging government accountability regarding arms exports to Israel.

Oxfam International, which supported Al-Haq’s case, noted that the partial export ban did not include British-made F-35 parts such as refuelling probes and laser targeting systems. Reports also suggest that military exports to Israel continued despite the suspension.

The conflict in Gaza, which began in October 2023, has resulted in at least 56,500 deaths and 133,419 injuries, raising concerns about the use of exported military equipment.

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