A Palestinian human rights organization, Al-Haq, has been denied permission to appeal a UK court ruling that deemed the indirect export of F-35 fighter jet components to Israel lawful. The case, which was initially brought to the High Court in June, challenged the UK government’s exemption of F-35 parts from a broader suspension of arms export licenses to Israel. The court ruled that the decision fell within the executive branch’s jurisdiction, emphasizing its political sensitivity and accountability to Parliament and the electorate. The court also highlighted the severe implications for UK national security and international peace if the country withdrew from the F-35 program. In October, Al-Haq sought permission to appeal, but the request was rejected. The court maintained that the UK government must balance national security concerns with the foreign secretary’s assessment of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law. Despite the suspension of direct arms exports to Israel, a loophole allows UK-made F-35 components to be supplied through a global pool, which Israel can access. These components constitute 15% of every F-35 jet, which Israel has extensively used in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. The High Court acknowledged that the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria (SELC) were not applied in this case but deemed the exemption a ‘specific measure in an exceptional case.’ Human Rights Watch (HRW) expressed deep disappointment with the decision, warning that UK components could be implicated in Israeli war crimes, potentially violating both international law and domestic arms licensing conditions. HRW criticized the UK government for prioritizing lucrative arms deals over human rights concerns, citing similar issues in new deals with countries like Turkey.