A UK court has ruled that the British government’s decision to continue exporting components for F-35 fighter jets to Israel is legal, despite concerns that the equipment may be used in violation of international humanitarian law in Gaza.

The ruling comes after a legal challenge by Al-Haq, a Palestinian human rights organization based in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The group contested the UK government’s decision to exempt F-35 parts from an arms export suspension implemented last year following Israel’s military response to the October 2023 Hamas attacks.

While the British government acknowledged the risk that Israel may have breached international law, particularly regarding humanitarian aid access and the treatment of detainees during its operations in Gaza, it maintained that suspending F-35 export licenses would have broader consequences. Officials argued such a move could compromise the global F-35 supply chain and, in turn, international security.

The Ministry of Defense warned that any disruption could undermine American confidence in the UK and NATO, a concern echoed in the court’s reasoning.

Al-Haq had argued that the exemption was unlawful, claiming it breached Britain’s obligations under international law, including provisions of the Geneva Conventions. However, the high court dismissed the case, which is believed to be the only legal challenge in the UK related to arms sales to Israel.

It remains unclear whether Al-Haq will seek permission to appeal the ruling.