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[Global Network reporter Li Ziyu] The UK was recently reported to have "suspended the processing of arms export license applications to Israel". Is there any latest progress? The British "Guardian" learned and revealed on the 25th that while British officials were trying to distinguish between "offensive" and "defensive" weapons, the British Prime Minister's Chief Legal Advisor and British Attorney General Richard Helmer intervened in the British government's decision on "whether to ban arms exports to Israel".

The report quoted sources as saying that Helmer told British Foreign Office officials that he would not approve a decision to ban the export of certain weapons until it was determined which weapons might be used in operations that violate international humanitarian law.

The Guardian added that it was understood that a high-level legal dispute in the British government was the main reason for the delay in making a decision. The issue has become more sensitive as the crisis in the Middle East has continued to escalate in recent weeks.

According to the report, a spokesman for the British Foreign Office declined to comment on Helmer's specific role in the British government's decision, only saying, "This government is committed to upholding international law. We have made it clear that we will not export items that could be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law."

"(We) are currently conducting a review to assess Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law, a process that the Foreign Secretary launched on his first day in office. We will provide an update once the review is completed," the spokesman added.

According to a report by The Guardian on the 6th of this month, British civil servants appear to have suspended the processing of arms export license applications to Israel, waiting for the government to complete a large-scale risk review of the issue. British government sources explained that this does not represent a change in British policy, but may just be an administrative procedure. The Guardian said that the risk review task has become more complicated because the heads of relevant departments want to distinguish between weapons used for "defensive purposes" and weapons used for "offensive purposes." Government sources said that this process takes time because the person in charge must ensure that any suspension decision is legal and in compliance with the Arms Export Licensing Act.

CCTV News reported on August 21 that British Foreign Office official Mark Smith resigned due to dissatisfaction with Britain's arms sales to Israel. In his resignation letter, he said that Britain may be an "accomplice to war crimes."