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UK court upholds F-35 parts export to Israel amid legal challenges
The United Kingdom’s High Court has ruled that the government can continue exporting components for F-35 fighter jets to Israel, despite concerns they might be used in violations of international humanitarian law during the conflict in Gaza.
In a 72-page decision issued on Monday, Judges Stephen Males and Karen Steyn emphasized that the core legal issue was whether courts have the authority to compel the UK to withdraw from a multilateral defence partnership due to the risk that UK-made parts could be used by Israel in ways that breach international law. The judges concluded that such matters fall under the responsibility of the executive branch, which is accountable to Parliament and the public, rather than the judiciary.
The UK is a contributor to the global manufacturing programme for the F-35 jets, producing around 15 percent of each aircraft. These parts are not made exclusively for Israel, but are part of a multinational supply chain.
The legal challenge was brought in January by Al-Haq, a Palestinian human rights organisation based in the occupied West Bank. Al-Haq opposed the UK Department for Business and Trade’s decision to exempt F-35 components when it suspended some military export licences to Israel in September 2024. During court hearings in May, Al-Haq argued that continuing the export posed a serious risk of contributing to international crimes.
Defence Secretary John Healey warned that halting the exports would compromise the entire F-35 programme and could undermine global security efforts, including support for Ukraine’s defence against Russia.
Following the ruling, Al-Haq’s director, Shawan Jabarin, stated that the case had drawn attention to the Palestinian perspective and strengthened public engagement. He stressed that human rights groups will persist in their campaign to hold governments accountable and end what they describe as Israel’s impunity.
The F-35 programme involves multiple countries contributing various components, which are assembled internationally. The UK maintained that stopping part exports would disrupt the programme’s supply chain and affect NATO allies.
Despite this, Al-Haq insists that the UK’s involvement breaches international agreements such as the Geneva Conventions, given the reported use of the jets in Gaza.
Last year, then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy suspended 30 of 350 export licences after reviewing compliance with humanitarian law. However, British-made F-35 parts such as refuelling systems, targeting equipment, tyres, and ejector seats were excluded from the ban. Advocacy groups reported in May that military exports to Israel have continued despite the partial suspension.
