Israeli arms company Elbit Systems UK has unexpectedly closed its facility in Bristol, which was consistently targeted by the recently proscribed direct action group Palestine Action, The Guardian has reported.
The Elbit site in Aztec West business park had been repeatedly targeted by Palestine Action activists, most recently on July 1, just days before the UK government banned the direct group under the Terrorism Act. Campaigners had previously occupied the roof, smashed windows, blockaded entrances, and doused the site in red paint to protest the company’s role in arming Israel.
Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer, supplies drones that form what it calls the “backbone” of the Israel Defence Force fleet. Its technology has been used extensively in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The company also produces systems for military aircraft, helicopters, armed boats, land vehicles and command systems. Elbit reported $6.8 billion (£5bn) in revenue last year.
The Bristol facility, leased by Elbit since 2019 and not due to expire until 2029, appeared deserted when visited by The Guardian this week, with only a security guard stationed outside. The site was previously owned by Somerset Council, which itself was targeted by Palestine Action before selling the property last year. Elbit Systems UK have declined to comment.
Palestine Action’s direct action
The closure follows years of direct action against Elbit’s UK operations.
The firm’s Filton site in Bristol remains active and has also faced repeated protests, with 24 activists awaiting trial on charges including criminal damage and violent disorder. One individual faces a charge of grievous bodily harm with intent.
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Elbit Systems UK’s financial accounts show the company made an operating loss of £4.7 million last year, compared with a £3.8 million profit in 2023.
Activist campaigns had already forced Elbit to sell other subsidiaries. In 2022, it sold its Oldham-based Ferranti P&C after 18 months of protests, and last year it sold Elite KL in the West Midlands after increased security costs eroded profits. The new owners of Elite KL cancelled all defence contracts with Elbit.
Andrew Feinstein, an expert on the global arms trade and former member of the South African national assembly, described the Bristol closure as “extremely significant,” calling Elbit “a key component of Israel’s military industrial complex.” He compared its role to that of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Despite these setbacks, Elbit Systems UK was recently part of a consortium close to securing a £2 billion Ministry of Defence contract. While certain voices are opposed to such a deal, the outcome remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, Palestine Action has secured permission for a judicial review in November to challenge its proscription, though the newly-appointed Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will attempt to overturn this decision later this month.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that 890 arrests were made in London on Saturday 6 September for the public display of support for Palestine Action.
