Four former senior British Army officers have called on the UK government to impose a full arms embargo on Israel, urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to suspend all military cooperation amid ongoing concerns over Gaza.
In a joint letter, the retired commanders said the UK must not return to “business as usual” with the Israeli government, arguing that Britain risks complicity in serious violations of international law if it continues defence ties.
Former generals urge tougher UK action
The letter was signed by retired Brigadier John Deverell, former Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Graham, Major General Peter Currie and Major General Charlie Herbert, all of whom held senior command roles during their military careers.
The signatories said that despite a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, the scale of destruction and civilian harm demands stronger action from the UK, including a complete arms embargo and wider sanctions on Israel.
They also called for a ban on British involvement in Israeli-owned or Israeli-backed arms manufacturers operating in the UK.
Concerns over British defence contracts
The intervention comes as the British Army prepares to decide next year whether to award a major £2bn, 15-year training contract to a consortium that includes Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer.
The contract is aimed at preparing soldiers for future conflicts and is one of the most significant defence procurement decisions currently under consideration.
A rival bid is being led by Raytheon UK, another major defence supplier.
Pushback on MoD comparison with Israel
The retired officers strongly rejected recent comments attributed to a senior source within the Ministry of Defence, which suggested that Israel’s military conduct in Gaza resembled British Army targeting and operational procedures.
They said UK military doctrine differs fundamentally from Israeli practices, accusing Israel of indiscriminate use of force that has led to exceptionally disproportionate civilian deaths and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure.
They argued that such actions would not be acceptable under British rules of engagement.
Calls to halt military exchanges
The letter urged the government to ban Israeli officers from attending UK military training courses and to stop British defence officials from participating in visits to Israel.
The former commanders said continued exchanges risk legitimising conduct that they believe breaches international humanitarian law.
They also called for the UK to prevent any transfer of military technology to Israel and to ensure British assets are not used in Israeli operations.
Humanitarian crisis highlighted
The signatories pointed to worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, including warnings from more than 100 international aid organisations about the risk of famine.
They cited reports from humanitarian groups alleging repeated Israeli attacks on hospitals, schools and other infrastructure essential for civilian survival.
The letter also referenced documented allegations of torture and mistreatment of Palestinian detainees held in Israeli custody.
Risk of UK complicity
The former officers said evidence of potential Israeli war crimes is now so extensive that the UK must suspend all military collaboration to avoid accusations of complicity.
They also called for a ban on the use of Royal Air Force or British-contracted aircraft in any Israeli military activity.
UK policy under pressure
The appeal adds to growing pressure on the Labour government over arms exports and defence cooperation with Israel, an issue that has divided Parliament and prompted legal challenges from campaigners.
Ministers have previously said the UK operates one of the world’s most robust arms export control regimes and reviews licences in line with international law.
However, the intervention from senior retired officers is likely to intensify scrutiny of upcoming defence decisions and Britain’s role in the conflict.
