LONDON [MENL] -- Despite a suspension of defense relations by other European
states, Britain appears to have increased the supply of weapons and
components and training to Israel.British ministers said the government continues to grant export licenses
for British military products and components to Israel. They said 18
licenses were approved over the last three months, including during the
period of Israel's military offensive in the West Bank.Officials said export licenses granted for Israel increased by nearly 50
percent last year. They said the government approved 276 Standard Individual
Export Licences in 2001 as compared to 191 in 2000.British Trade Minister Nigel Griffiths told parliament last month that
the licenses issued between Feb. 18 and April 22 covered a range of goods on
the government's military list of exports. The minister would not disclose
the exports, but stressed that Britain would not deliver to Israel any
weapons that could be used against the Palestinians.
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