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Israel is one of the most heavily militarised states on earth. It is the single largest exporter of drones in the world, responsible for 41% of all UAVs exported between 2001 and 2011. War on Want’s new report Killer Drones: UK complicity in Israel’s crimes against the Palestinian people exposes the devastating effect Israel’s drones have on the population and infrastructure of occupied and besieged Gaza. Israeli companies, such as Elbit and Israel Aerospace Industries are happy to market their equipment globally as ‘field tested’ in ‘real life situations’. Take action to end research subsidies for Israel’s arms companies The British army has awarded Israeli company Elbit and its partner company Thales UK a contract worth nearly £1 billion for the development of the Watchkeeper drone. This drone is based on the Israeli Hermes 450 model, described as the ‘workhorse’ of Israel’s military in its operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. By trading in arms with Israel, the British government is giving direct support for Israel’s aggression and sending a clear message of approval for its action. The EU is also aiding Israel’s arms companies by allowing them to take part in public research projects. Currently, in the European Security Research Programme Israeli organisations – including Elbit and Israel Aerospace Industries – participate in 46 projects. Take action to end research subsidies for Israel’s arms companies In light of Israel’s violations of international law and Palestinian human rights, the British government and the European Union must implement an immediate two-way arms embargo on Israel. Today I urge you to demand an end to your taxes being used to subsidise Israeli dronemakers and their attacks on Palestinian civilians. |
