Israeli arms manufacturer closes UK facility targeted by Palestine Action

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/06/israeli-arms-manufacturer-elbit-systems-closes-uk-facility-targeted-by-palestine-action

Israeli arms manufacturer closes UK facility targeted by Palestine Action

Exclusive: Elbit Systems UK site in Bristol was subject of protest days before direct action group was proscribed

Haroon Siddique and Jamie Grierson
Sat 6 Sep 2025 00.00 EDT

An Israeli arms manufacturer’s facility in Bristol which was repeatedly targeted by Palestine Action appears to have closed unexpectedly.

The Elbit Systems UK site in the Aztec West business park was the subject of dozens of protests by Palestine Action, including on 1 July, days before the direct action group was banned under the Terrorism Act.

Elbit has held the lease since 2019 and it was not due to expire until 2029. The protests included blockades using lock-ons, occupying the roof, smashing windows and dousing the site in red paint.

Protesters holding Palestinian flag, and one man wrapped in the flag
Home Office wins right to challenge Palestine Action’s terror ban appeal
Read more
Elbit Systems UK is a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, which is Israel’s largest arms producer. Elbit Systems, which had revenues of $6.8bn (£5bn) last year, describes itself as the “backbone” of the Israel Defense Force’s (IDF’s) drone fleet, which has been used extensively in the assault on Gaza.

…

Last month, Private Eye revealed that Elbit Systems UK was part of a consortium close to winning a £2bn contract that would make it a “strategic partner” of the Ministry of Defence. The FT reported that the former Labour cabinet minister, Peter Hain had written to the defence secretary, Jon Healey, urging him not to hand the contract to the company, given “the devastation unfolding in Gaza”.

//