The UK Labour government is under scrutiny for continuing to export F-35 fighter jet components to Israel, despite suspending other arms licenses due to security concerns, as revealed during a high court hearing on November 18, 2024.

Britain's decision to permit these exports comes even as it acknowledges that the components could potentially be used in violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) in Gaza.

Court documents indicate that the UK government has not fully suspended arms export licenses to Israel, citing the need to maintain US confidence in the UK and NATO.

The Palestinian rights group Al-Haq is challenging this decision in London's High Court, arguing that the continuation of F-35 exports is unlawful given the associated risks.

Al-Haq contends that the ongoing export of F-35 components poses a significant risk of facilitating serious violations of IHL.

Initially, Al-Haq's legal challenge aimed to halt all arms exports to Israel, but it has since shifted focus specifically to the F-35 components, which could still be exported through third countries.

The UK government claims that suspending exports of F-35 components would disrupt a complex global supply chain involving over 20 countries.

Defence Secretary John Healey advised against halting these exports, warning that it could undermine US confidence in the UK and NATO, which he described as critical for international peace and security.

Despite suspending 30 arms licenses in September 2024 due to a 'clear risk' of IHL violations, the UK government exempted F-35 parts from this suspension.

The UK government's decision to continue exporting F-35 parts, despite acknowledging the risks, was justified by concerns over the potential negative impact on international peace and security.

The UK government has until December 16, 2024, to respond to Al-Haq's legal challenge, with a final decision expected in January 2025.