Israel is unable to procure engines following an extension of the British government’s embargo on arms sales to Israel, sources inform “Globes”.
All of Israel’s recent efforts to convince the British government to cancel the embargo have failed. The Ministry of Defense has not carried out its threat of sanctions against countries not allowing Israel to buy essential weapons systems.
Britain is refusing to sell armaments to Israel because of the conflict with the Palestinians. It justifies its refusal by saying that it does not supply weapons to regions in conflict.
The ban on sales of engines comes on top of a ban on sales of components used in catapult propulsion systems for Israel Air Force Phantom plane ejection seats. These components are pyrotechnics manufactured by the Martin Baker Aircraft Company of Britain, the Israel Air Force’s sole supplier .
The Ministry of Defense claims that Britain is persisting in its opposition to sales of systems and spare parts for systems that Israel buys or wishes to buy. The ministry adds that Britain takes these measures against exports to regions with military conflicts. Although Israel is searching for alternatives, the search has been unsuccessful, since unique components for special needs are involved.
The Ministry of Defense added that it was holding a “long and intensive” dialogue with Britain, up to the most senior levels, in a so-far unsuccessful attempt to persuade Britain that pyrotechnics for ejection seats are unrelated to Israel’s operations in the territories.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on January 1, 2003