Mark Smith, who worked as a second secretary at the UK embassy in Ireland, has stepped down from his position in the British foreign office. Smith had grown increasingly concerned with the office’s ongoing approval of arms sales to Israel, asserting that the department could be implicated in war crimes. He expressed his grievances in an open letter of resignation, referencing declarations of “open genocidal intent” by Israeli government and military figures.
Smith’s resignation letter highlighted his alarm at the department’s apparent indifference to his concerns regarding the legality of continued arms transactions. Regrettably, he stated, he felt unable to perform his duties in light of the potential that he was contributing to war crimes.
In his previous role within the Middle East and North African department, Smith had been responsible for assessing arms export licenses, which he claimed made him a well-informed voice on arms sale policy.
Smith’s concerns stemmed from numerous instances of purported war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza by Israel. He referenced evidence of Israeli soldiers wilfully demolishing and looting civilian properties, as well as their open admission of abusing prisoners.
Despite the serious nature of these allegations, Smith felt that his strong objections to the UK’s continued support of Israeli military activities were met with dismissive responses from his superiors. He had even launched a formal whistle-blowing investigation that yielded no effective action.
Despite government claims that the UK’s arms export licensing program is one of the most ‘robust and transparent’ globally, Smith contended that the reality was entirely different.
Smith ended his resignation letter with a hopeful note, affirming his desire for a future where the department’s actions can be remembered with pride.
In the past, current Foreign Secretary David Lammy, while still in opposition, pressured the foreign office to disclose its official legal advice concerning Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law.
A representative from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has reassured that the UK government is devoted to maintaining and observing the principles of international law. An important part of this commitment is ensuring that no exported goods are used to perpetrate or aid serious breaches of this law, particularly in relation to international humanitarian rights.
Currently, the FCDO is conducting a thorough examination of Israel’s adherence to international humanitarian law. The foreign secretary initiated this review immediately upon taking on their role. An update about the findings of this review will be shared as soon as the process has been concluded.
Reportedly, since 2008, the UK has given licences for armament exports to Israel amounting to over £576 million (€677 million). This information was collected from an examination of governmental export figures by the Campaign Against Arms Trade.