标签： Asia

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.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly appealed to Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant a full pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently embroiled in three separate corruption cases. In a letter addressed to Herzog on Wednesday, Trump lauded Netanyahu’s contributions to fostering peace with Arab nations, a feat he described as a millennia-long aspiration. Trump emphasized Netanyahu’s role as a decisive wartime leader and his ongoing efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states. He labeled the corruption charges against Netanyahu as politically motivated and unjustified, urging Herzog to end what he termed ‘lawfare’ and allow Netanyahu to unify the nation. Netanyahu faces allegations of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust, including accusations of accepting over $260,000 in luxury gifts from billionaires in exchange for political favors and attempting to influence media coverage. While Herzog possesses the authority to issue pardons, such requests must follow established legal procedures, as reiterated by his office in response to Trump’s appeal. Trump’s repeated calls for Netanyahu’s pardon have drawn criticism from Israeli opposition figures. Netanyahu’s trial has faced multiple delays due to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, Syria, and Iran, as well as his controversial judicial reform proposals, which sparked widespread protests before subsiding after the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023.

In a heated parliamentary session, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to dismiss BBC board member Robbie Gibb, citing concerns over the broadcaster’s independence and impartiality. Gibb, a former communications director for Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May, was appointed to the BBC board by Boris Johnson. His tenure has been marred by accusations of political interference in editorial decisions and staff appointments. Davey emphasized the critical importance of the BBC’s neutrality, particularly in light of recent controversies, including a $1 billion lawsuit threat from former US President Donald Trump over the editing of his January 6, 2021, speech for the BBC’s Panorama program. Davey also highlighted the previous Conservative government’s alleged efforts to undermine the BBC, pointing to Gibb’s continued presence on the board as a symbol of this interference. Prime Minister Starmer acknowledged the previous government’s actions but did not commit to removing Gibb. The controversy surrounding Gibb intensified following claims that he has been a driving force behind accusations of systemic bias at the BBC. Additionally, Gibb’s involvement with the Jewish Chronicle, which has been criticized for publishing allegedly fabricated stories about Israel and Gaza, has further fueled calls for his resignation. Over 400 cultural figures have signed a letter demanding his removal, and former Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger has questioned his role on the BBC’s editorial standards committee. The BBC has faced accusations of both pro-Israel and anti-Israel bias, with a recent report from the Centre For Media Monitoring highlighting disparities in coverage of Israeli and Palestinian fatalities. Meanwhile, BBC Middle East editor Raffi Berg is embroiled in a legal battle with journalist Owen Jones over allegations of promoting ‘systematic Israeli propaganda’ within the broadcaster. Berg has denied these claims, but the controversy underscores the ongoing challenges facing the BBC’s credibility and independence.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is poised to address the UAE’s support for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. This high-stakes diplomatic engagement, confirmed by multiple Arab and Western officials, underscores the escalating tensions in Sudan’s ongoing conflict. The RSF, accused of atrocities including mass killings and rape in North Darfur, has been heavily backed by the UAE through complex supply routes spanning Libya, Chad, and Somalia. Saudi Arabia, positioning itself as a mediator, has sought to counterbalance the UAE’s influence, particularly after the RSF’s recent capture of el-Fasher. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF, has displaced millions and claimed tens of thousands of lives. Despite Saudi Arabia’s efforts to broker peace, the UAE’s continued support for the RSF has strained relations between the two Gulf powers. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s decision to directly engage Trump reflects both the urgency of the crisis and the UAE’s growing isolation on the issue. Meanwhile, Egypt and Turkey have stepped up military support for the SAF, further complicating the regional dynamics. The upcoming meeting is expected to highlight broader geopolitical tensions, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE increasingly at odds over their strategic interests in the Middle East.