UK Activists Shut Down Israeli Arms Factory in Birmingham

A group of UK activists from the London Palestine Action network have Tuesday chained the doors shut of an Israeli weapons factory based near Birmingham in the UK and are now occupying the roof.

The occupied factory produces engines for drones and is owned by Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest military company and the world’s largest drones producer.

London Palestine Action are demanding a closure of the factory, as well as an “end to all forms of military trade and cooperation with Israel”.

Amnesty International claim engines built in the factory were used in drones to attack civilians in Gaza during 2008’s Operation Cast Lead, reported Politics.co.uk.

A spokesperson for London Palestine Action said: “Drone engines manufactured at this factory have been exported to Israel in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and Elbit Systems drones are being used in Israel’s ongoing massacre. Any claims that components manufactured at this factory are not being used in Israel’s current attack on Gaza are not credible.

“Drones are a key part of Israel’s military arsenal. By allowing this factory to export drone components and other arms to Israel, the UK government is providing direct support and approval to Israel’s massacres.”