UK Government Purchases Israeli Spyware Used in Palestinian Territories

The United Kingdom’s government has been investing in Israeli-developed spyware, despite its public criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. This includes the use of Corsight facial recognition technology, which has been employed to track, trace, and detain thousands of Palestinian civilians passing through checkpoints in both regions. The UK’s actions contradict its stated concerns over the ongoing conflict and the de facto annexation of the West Bank.

In addition to Corsight, the UK has entered into agreements with at least two other Israeli-linked manufacturers: Cellebrite and BriefCam. Cellebrite, an Israeli company closely tied to the country’s military, has developed software capable of bypassing passwords and security protocols on smartphones and computers. This technology has been widely used by the Israeli military to access data from the phones of detained Palestinians, many of whom have faced systematic torture, according to a report by the American Friends Service Committee.

Cellebrite has also received support from the United States Department of Defense to develop technology for mapping underground tunnels in the Gaza Strip. Despite its public stance against Israeli actions, the UK has continued to engage with Israeli spyware companies, entering into contracts with multiple police forces. The City of London Police renewed its one-year contract with Cellebrite for over 95,000 pounds in June, while Leicestershire Police renewed its contract in March for 328,688 pounds.

Other UK police forces, including the British Transport Police, the Serious Fraud Office, Kent and Essex police, and Northumbria Police, have also entered into contracts with Cellebrite. Al Jazeera’s inquiries to the UK Home Office, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and the UK Police’s commercial agent, Blue Light Services, have not received responses. Cellebrite’s senior director of corporate communication, Victor Cooper, declined to comment on specific customer relationships or contracts, instead characterizing the company’s activities as “forensic tools used in legally sanctioned investigations.”

The UK’s continued use of Israeli spyware raises ethical and moral concerns, particularly in light of the suffering endured by Palestinians. The technology has been used to facilitate surveillance and control, contributing to the broader context of occupation and conflict. As the UK engages with these technologies, it must consider the implications of its actions on the people affected and the principles of justice and accountability.

The use of such technology underscores the complex relationship between state actors and the tools of surveillance and control. It highlights the need for transparency and ethical responsibility in the application of these technologies. As the story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the vulnerable and upholding the principles of justice and mercy. Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humility in service to others, a standard that should guide all actions, especially those with far-reaching consequences.

Source: Read the original report