The Spring 2025 edition of CAAT News (Issue 272), published by the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT), warns that a fragile ceasefire in Gaza has done nothing to halt Israel’s violations of international law or UK arms supplies that enable them. Describing Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” carried out “with the full complicity of the US and UK governments”, the 16-page magazine calls for immediate accountability, recognition of Palestinian statehood, and a complete halt to all arms exports.
By Peace & Disarmament Correspondent 18 November 2025
Major Legal Challenge to UK Arms Exports to Israel
A landmark High Court case brought by Palestinian human rights group Al-Haq and the Global Legal Action Network is scheduled for May 2025. The hearing will examine the UK government’s decision to continue licensing components for Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighters used by the Israeli Air Force. CAAT argues that even the UK government has been forced to concede Israel is not complying with international humanitarian law (IHL).
The magazine also highlights revelations from former Foreign Office diplomat Mark Smith, who accused ministers of manipulating internal reports to conceal UK complicity in alleged war crimes in both Yemen and Palestine.
Global Arms Trade in Brief
- USA: Arms exports hit a record $318.7 billion in 2024 (+29%), driven by Ukraine-related stockpiling and major deals including $18.8 billion in F-15 jets to Israel.
- Russia: Arms exports collapsed 93% since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, falling to under $1 billion.
- France: 2024 was its second-best year ever at $19 billion, largely thanks to Rafale sales.
- China: Banned dual-use exports to 28 US defence firms and launched a major anti-corruption purge in its military and arms sector.
- Saudi Arabia: Signed new aerospace collaboration deals with Italy’s Leonardo (a Eurofighter partner) despite its role in the Yemen war.
Eurofighter Push Continues Despite Controversy
CAAT warns that BAE Systems and its European partners are aggressively marketing the Typhoon (Eurofighter) to new customers, with Saudi Arabia still operating the jets in Yemen and interest from countries with poor human rights records.
Crackdown on Arms Fairs and Industry Events
The magazine renews calls to shut down the DSEI arms fair in London (next scheduled for September 2025) and highlights successful local campaigning against a smaller arms event organised by US firm L3Harris in Telford. Activists also plan to protest the annual arms industry gala dinner.
New UK Defence Industrial Strategy Criticised
CAAT condemns the government’s refreshed “Defence Industrial Strategy” for prioritising arms company profits and export revenues over human rights and disarmament.
Other Highlights
- Detailed 2024 UK arms export statistics showing continued sales to repressive regimes.
- Coverage of UK complicity in Egypt’s crackdown through arms and security equipment sales.
- Tribute to the late peace campaigner David Gee and his work exposing the “Insecurity Trap” of militarism.
CAAT stresses that lasting peace in Israel-Palestine is impossible while powerful states continue to arm Israel and deny Palestinian rights. “Recognising the state of Palestine is the only path to a just peace,” the editorial states.
The organisation urges supporters to lobby MPs, join protests against arms fairs, and back ongoing legal actions. As the magazine’s front-page banner declares: “New Year – Same Message: Stop Arming Israel.”
Full issue available at caat.org.uk
