UK Supreme Court Rules Decision to Export F-35 Fighter Jet Parts to Israel Legal Amid Gaza Conflict, Rejects Human Rights Groups' Challenge

UK Supreme Court Rules Decision to Export F-35 Fighter Jet Parts to Israel Legal Amid Gaza Conflict, Rejects Human Rights Groups' Challenge

[London, June 30, 2025]
Amid the ongoing bloody conflict in Gaza, the UK High Court has declared the decision to export F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel as legal. According to the court, the British government's export approval does not violate international law.

Human rights organization Al-Haq had claimed in court that Israel is violating international human rights and humanitarian laws in Gaza—particularly the Geneva Conventions. They argued that the UK's supply of parts amounted to aiding these violations, thus rendering it illegal.

In the documents submitted on behalf of Al-Haq, it was noted that Israeli airstrikes have already killed more than 10,000 Palestinians, including a significant number of women and children. Against this backdrop, the export of F-35 parts should be seen as indirect complicity in war crimes.

However, the court on Monday rejected this argument in a written judgment. The ruling stated that there is no legal inconsistency in the government's export approval and that the decision was made after "adequate assessment."

UK Is a Key Partner in the F-35 Project
The F-35 fighter jet project is a multinational defense initiative, with the UK as a partner. The country is responsible for manufacturing and maintaining various parts of these aircraft.

British Defense Minister John Healy welcomed the verdict, saying:
"Suspending this export would threaten not only Israel but the entire F-35 international project. This would harm international security and partnerships."

He further stated that the UK implements its defense and commercial agreements in accordance with international law.

International Reactions and Continuing Debate
Following the ruling, human rights groups expressed disappointment. Al-Haq said they are preparing to appeal the decision, describing the ruling as "weakening humanitarian values and international law."

The United Nations and the European Union have already expressed concern over Israel's military operations in Gaza and called for protection of civilians. However, Britain's ruling has reignited the debate over the ethics and legality of arms exports during active conflicts.