“[The] decision means that while ministers apparently accept that Israel may be committing war crimes in Gaza, [the government] is nevertheless continuing to risk complicity in war crimes, apartheid – and possible genocide – by Israeli forces in Gaza,” he said.
The non-profit organisation has continuously called for a ceasefire and for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza.
On social media, Mr Netanyahu said: “With or without British arms, Israel will win this war and secure our common future.
“Instead of standing with Israel, a fellow democracy defending itself against barbarism, Britain’s misguided decision will only embolden Hamas.”
Asked about comments made by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson who accused the government of “abandoning Israel”, Mr Healey insisted the UK would support Israel in defending itself if it came under direct attack.
Criticism has also come from within the Labour Party.
Former shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry said the timing was “unfortunate”.
Speaking to Radio 4’s World Tonight programme on Monday, she said: “I suspect that what was wanted was once they got the legal advice, they wanted to come in and tell Parliament about it straight away, but I think that it was unfortunate given all the funerals.”
Ms Thornberry also said she expected a “detailed summary” of the legal advice the government had received over arms, amid questions over the continued supply of parts for F35 jets.
Mr Healey said components for F35s were “deliberately” not included in the suspension as they are used by 20 countries and it would be “hard to distinguish” which components would go into Israeli jets.
Zarah Sultana, who is currently sitting as an independent MP after being suspended from the Labour Party, has called for an end to all arms sales to Israel.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, the MP for Coventry South described the F35 jets as “the most lethal in the world”.
The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza to destroy Hamas in response to the unprecedented attack on southern Israel on 7 October, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.
More than 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.
