Israel reaches record arms imports from the UK in 2025

In 2025, Israel has significantly increased its importation of UK arms, reaching a record high value by September. The Israeli Tax Authority's customs data reveals that nearly £1 million worth of munitions from the UK were imported during the first nine months of 2025, more than double the amounts imported in earlier years. In June 2025 alone, Israel received over £400,000 worth of arms, marking the highest monthly amount since January 2022. Following June, September saw a second peak in arms imports, with approximately £310,000 worth of munitions received, and August reported around £150,000 worth of arms passing through Israeli customs, including a significant £20,000 categorized as 'bullets' in the Israeli codebook. Despite these alarming figures, the specific end-users of these munitions remain undisclosed, raising concerns over potential use. Claims have surfaced indicating that some of the arms may be intended for re-export by Israeli firms, not solely for domestic military operations. The situation has garnered international scrutiny, especially amid ongoing debates regarding arms sales and humanitarian law. The Commission pressed that countries need to actively prevent genocide, particularly in Gaza, and to halt arms sales to Israel if there’s credible concern they might facilitate such actions. In response, the UK government asserts that it does not export arms for operations by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza or the West Bank and underscores that the data may pertain to civilian-use items instead. The dilemma surrounding arms exports has intensified, particularly after revelations regarding the suspension of 29 licenses to export arms to Israel, which occurred in September 2024. This suspension was based on concerns that these arms could be used for egregious violations of international humanitarian law. Yet, as of July 2025, a significant number of active licenses (347 total, with 167 classified as military) remain in place, raising questions about the UK’s commitment to upholding human rights in its international trade practices involving defense supplies. The Israeli government’s spokesperson referred to confidentiality clauses under Israeli tax laws that prevent them from providing additional details regarding the arms imports. However, they emphasized that the imported categories may cover a wide range of items, not exclusively essential munitions. This situation brings attention to the broader implications for international relations among countries involved in arms sales and military collaborations, particularly in conflict regions like the Middle East, where accusations of humanitarian law violations are prevalent. Critics argue that such high levels of armament could exacerbate tensions in the region and lead to more violence. As the UK continues to navigate its arms export policy, it faces the challenge of balancing national interests, political alliances, and ethical considerations surrounding the humanitarian implications of its military trade.