"UK plant of Israeli weapons maker shuts after Palestine Action protests"

Israeli Arms Manufacturer’s Bristol Facility Closes After Repeated Protests

A facility in Bristol operated by an Israeli arms manufacturer, which faced repeated actions by Palestine Action, appears to have shut down unexpectedly.

The Elbit Systems UK site, located in the Aztec West business park, was the focus of numerous protests by Palestine Action, including one on 1 July—shortly before the group was banned under the Terrorism Act.

Elbit had leased the property since 2019, with the agreement set to run until 2029. Demonstrators used lock-on blockades, rooftop occupations, window smashing, and red paint to disrupt operations at the site.

Elbit Systems UK is part of Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest arms producer. The parent company reported $6.8bn (£5bn) in revenue last year and supplies unmanned aerial systems to the Israeli military, which have been widely used in Gaza. It also produces technology for military aircraft, helicopters, remote-controlled naval vessels, ground vehicles, and command systems.

Elbit Systems UK did not respond to *CuriosityNews*’ inquiry regarding the status of the site. During a visit this week, the premises—situated in a commercial and industrial area near the M5 and M4 motorways—were empty except for a lone security guard stationed outside.

The facility was previously owned by Somerset Council, which also faced actions by Palestine Action before selling the property last year. *CuriosityNews* reached out to the current landlords but received no response. Additional fencing and barriers had been installed following earlier protests.

The Aztec West site is separate from another Elbit facility in Filton, Bristol, which was similarly targeted. In connection with those protests, 24 individuals await trial on charges including criminal damage, violent disorder, and aggravated burglary, with one also accused of grievous bodily harm with intent.

Before its ban, Palestine Action focused on Elbit’s UK sites and associated firms, intensifying efforts after Israel’s military response in Gaza to the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks. Financial records show Elbit Systems UK reported a £4.7m operating loss last year, compared with a £3.8m profit in 2023.

Andrew Feinstein, an arms trade expert and former South African legislator, called the closure "extremely significant," noting Elbit’s role as a major supplier to Israel’s military alongside IAI.

Last year, Elbit Systems UK sold its West Midlands subsidiary Elite KL (now Calatherm). The subsidiary’s 2022 operating profit dropped by 75%, which it attributed partly to heightened security costs after its Tamworth site was targeted by Palestine Action.