Cameron to Face Inquiry to Clarify Claim of No Decision on Israel Arms Sales

The Foreign Affairs Committee chair has requested Foreign Secretary David Cameron clarify his previous statement that he did not formally decide to persist with arms sales to Israel during the Gaza conflict.

Despite Cameron's claim, evidence indicates he recommended continuing arms sales.

Documents from the UK Department for Business and Trade disclose that Cameron, faced with the options to stop, suspend or maintain arms sales, suggested on 8 December that the sales go on.

Foreign Office staff expressed concerns about Israel's actions against Hamas and disputed Israel's legal responsibilities to supply humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Following Cameron's advice, Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch agreed on 18 December that Israel was complying with international law, allowing the arms exports to proceed.

However, during a 9 January inquiry, Cameron evaded questions about conducting a formal review of the arms licenses and whether Israel had violated international humanitarian law. He insisted his role was to follow official advice, not to make legal judgments.

Alicia Kearns, a Conservative MP, intends to write to the Foreign Office seeking detailed explanations about their decision-making and whether any provided evidence needs corrections.

In the background, a legal challenge from the Global Legal Action Network made the Business Department justify its fair and rational decision-making in court.

Documents showed that the Export Control Joint Unit and the Ministry of Defence reviewed the situation, reflecting on the conflict's impact on Gaza's civilians.

Final decisions drew on written assurances from the Israeli embassy and Cameron's 12 December conviction that Israel would adhere to international law. Cameron acknowledged internal deliberations during his testimony, emphasizing reliance on guidance provided to him.