An Israeli arms manufacturer’s facility in Bristol, England, has unexpectedly shut down after being repeatedly targeted by Palestine Action, a group that has been designated as a terror organization by the British government.
The Elbit Systems UK site in the Aztec West business park was the subject of dozens of protests, including blockades, roof occupations, and vandalism, before its closure.
According to reports, Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of Israel’s largest arms producer, Elbit Systems, had held a lease on the property since 2019, with an expiration date set for 2029.
However, the company has offered no explanation for the site’s closure. The property was deserted when visited by The Guardian, with only a security guard stationed outside.
Andrew Feinstein, an expert on the global arms trade, described the closure as “extremely significant,” stating, “we need to remind ourselves that Elbit (Systems) is one of the two most important Israeli arms firms, along with IAI, that is it is obviously a key component of Israel’s military industrial complex.”
Elbit Systems generates $6.8 billion in revenue annually and supplies drones to the Israeli Defense Forces, which have been used extensively in the assault on Gaza.
The closure of the Bristol facility is part of a larger pattern of Elbit’s retrenchment in the UK. The company has sold several of its UK subsidiaries, including Elite KL and Ferranti P&C, after facing protests and increased security costs.
Palestine Action has vowed to continue targeting Elbit and its partners, despite being banned under the Terrorism Act.
The group’s campaign against Elbit Systems has resulted in significant financial losses for the company, including a £4.7 million operating loss last year.
Meanwhile, Elbit Systems UK was reportedly close to securing a £2 billion contract with the Ministry of Defence, a deal that former Labour cabinet minister Peter Hain urged the government to block, citing “the devastation unfolding in Gaza”.
Palestine Action has been granted permission for a judicial review of the decision to proscribe the group in November. However, the home secretary will attempt to overturn the permission decision at a court of appeal hearing on September 25.
The shutdown of Elbit Systems UK’s Bristol facility is seen as a significant victory for Palestine Action, a group that has been targeting the company’s sites across the UK.
The group’s campaign has resulted in substantial financial losses for Elbit, including a £4.7 million operating loss last year. Palestine Action’s tactics have included rooftop occupations, blockades, and vandalism, causing significant disruptions to Elbit’s operations.
Elbit Systems has faced repeated protests and disruptions at its UK facilities, leading to significant financial losses and site closures. In 2022, the company sold Ferranti P&C, part of its Oldham-based business, after 18 months of protests.
Similarly, its Elite KL subsidiary in Tamworth was sold in 2024 after profits collapsed due to increased security costs. These sales have resulted in Elbit losing key contracts and revenue streams.
The UK government’s decision to ban Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act has been met with criticism from human rights groups.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has described the ban as “disproportionate and unnecessary,” urging the government to rescind its move.
Despite the ban, Palestine Action has vowed to continue targeting Elbit and its partners.
The shutdown of Elbit’s Bristol facility may have significant implications for the company’s future operations in the UK.
With the loss of key contracts and revenue streams, Elbit may struggle to maintain its presence in the country.
Additionally, the UK government’s decision to phase out Watchkeeper drones, produced by Elbit Systems, could result in a substantial loss for the company.
