Brits deny semi arms embargo on Israel

JERUSALEM, July 13 (UPI) -- The British Embassy in Tel Aviv Monday denied Britain had imposed a partial embargo on Israel for using British weapons in Operation Cast Lead.

An embassy spokeswoman said steps taken and reported in Haaretz Monday,do not constitute a partial embargo. Britain is currently reviewing all export licenses to Israel in accordance with stipulations made by the European Union and national arms export license criteria, the newspaper quoted the spokeswoman saying.

Earlier in the day, the newspaper said the relevant British ministries informed Israeli companies last week they were halting deals with Israel's navy after reviewing 182 licenses for arms exports. Britain decided to cancel five licenses relating to parts for the guns on the navy's Saar ships, the report said.

To back its claims, the paper quoted a ministerial statement issued to the Embassy in Tel Aviv in April by the British foreign secretary regarding U.K. exports to Israel that may have been used by Israel's army during the conflict in Gaza.

Since the Gaza operation, British parliamentarians and non-government organizations have been trying to persuade their government to impose a total arms embargo on Israel, the paper said.