UK to ensure F-35 unaffected by review of Israel cooperation

The House of Commons has debated the UK’s military cooperation agreement with Israel, established in 2020, and its implications for the F-35 programme.

Kenny MacAskill, MP for East Lothian, asked whether there are any plans to review this agreement.

Leo Docherty, the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, confirmed that while there are no immediate plans to update the agreement, it is continually reviewed to ensure its relevance.

“An agreement for UK-Israel military co-operation was signed in December 2020. There are no current plans for the agreement to be updated, but we continually review it to ensure that it remains relevant,” Docherty stated.

MacAskill raised humanitarian concerns, particularly regarding the alledged (and unconfirmed) use of white phosphorus munitions by Israeli forces in Gaza.

“The rector of Glasgow University, who is an eminent Palestinian surgeon, has been narrating the horrors of the requirement to operate, and even perform amputations, on children—often without morphine—in Gaza. He has also detailed the horrors of the use of white phosphorus munitions. White phosphorus ignites during surgery when exposed to the atmosphere and requires dousing, including during complicated operations. Why are we in a military pact with military forces that carry out such actions? If the Minister will not repudiate the pact entirely, will he ensure that the use of white phosphorus munitions in our name is not acceptable?” MacAskill asked.

Docherty assured that the UK does not support such actions and reiterated the importance of civilian protection while maintaining strong defence ties with Israel.

“Of course it is not. We have no role in that, and we see no evidence of the prospect of that being used. We should focus on our confidence that Israel is an important ally, which means that we can make the point that the protection of civilians is of the utmost importance. We should also remember that at the heart of this conflict is the fact that if peace is to be achieved, Hamas need to lay down their arms and release the hostages,” Docherty responded.

Kevan Jones, MP for North Durham, inquired about the F-35 programme and its implications for UK-Israel relations.

“The F-35 programme has not only given world-leading capability to our Air Force and Navy, but provided jobs and technological advancement in the UK defence industry. Could the Minister give an assurance that any review of our relationship with Israel will not jeopardise that programme?” Jones asked.

Docherty reassured that the F-35 project remains a point of pride and will not be compromised.

“I can give the right hon. Gentleman that absolute assurance. We are immensely proud of the F-35 project, which delivers devastatingly effective fighting power for us and our allies, and 20,000 UK jobs,” Docherty responded.