Britain Tightens Rules on Arms Sales to Israel
Britain has tightened regulations for the sale of weapons to Israel. British officials said the government of Prime Minister Tony Blair has drafted new criteria for the sale of defense systems and weapons to Israel. The government has been under pressure from members of the Labor Party to examine allegations that Israel has used British weapons and components in the war with the Palestinians.
Britain is said to have sold about $17 million worth of defense components and systems to Israel in 2000. The figure is expected to increase by the end of this year. The sales include ammunition, riot control gear as well as British components in U.S. weapons platforms.
Source: Independent Media Review and Analysis, (December 18, 2001)