“This is the first time that a Western country has taken such a decision,” said former officer Guillaume Ancel.

“It is an eminently symbolic decision”analysis Tuesday September 3 on franceinfo, Guillaume Ancel, former officer and war columnist, after London’s announcement to suspend around thirty arms export licenses to Israel out of a total of 350. “This is the first time that a Western country – which has always supported Israel – has taken such a decision.”he adds.

Although British arms exports are low, the UK’s decision to suspend them citing a risk that they could be used in breach of international law in Gaza “open the door” and sends a message, according to Guillaume Ancel: “We can no longer allow Netanyahu to pursue his policy of devastation and carnage, which he has been pursuing for eleven months in the Gaza Strip.“The former officer also deplores the death of six Israeli hostages discovered in a Gaza tunnel. “They should have been released if Netanyahu had accepted a ceasefire that he has refused for nine months. For nine months he has been driving all the negotiators ‘goats’. In reality, he wants to stay at war, exactly like Hamas.”

Israel is in the process of “losing the support of countries that have always supported him until now”assures Guillaume Ancel, who is looking mainly across the Atlantic. “This will raise questions about the United States, which supplies 90% of Israel’s products.”He is waiting for the results of the American presidential election for a possible decision. “After the 4th November, Kamala Harris [si elle est élue] has already warned that she will defend Israel but that she is concerned about the Palestinian people”recalls Guillaume Ancel.