Protesters have blockaded an Elbit Systems factory in Staffordshire over the company’s supply of military equipment to Israel. The direct-action group ‘Silence Elbit Drones’ launched the blockade by attaching nine protesters to five ‘lock-ons’, effectively sealing off access to the factory.
The group’s actions are aimed at disrupting Elbit’s operations due to its role in supplying arms to Israel. The move comes as part of a larger campaign against the company’s involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
- Protesters blockaded Elbit Systems factory in Staffordshire over supply of military equipment to Israel.
- The direct-action group ‘Silence Elbit Drones’ aims to disrupt Elbit’s operations.
- Elbit Systems is a major supplier of military equipment to Israel, including surveillance drones and other technology.
Background on Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems is a leading Israeli defense technology company that supplies a range of military equipment, including surveillance drones, to the Israeli government. The company has faced criticism over its role in the Israel-Palestine conflict, with many human rights groups and activists calling for a boycott of Elbit Systems.
Spokesperson Audrey Corno on the Blockade
According to a spokesperson for the group, Audrey Corno, the blockade is a peaceful protest against Elbit’s operations and its supply of military equipment to Israel. Corno told Al Jazeera that the group aims to bring attention to the issue and disrupt Elbit’s business operations.
‘We are taking direct action against Elbit Systems because of their complicity in the Israeli military’s actions against the Palestinian people,’ Corno said. ‘We will continue to take action until Elbit Systems stops its involvement in the arms trade.’
Elbit Systems’ Response
Elbit Systems has not yet commented on the blockade. However, the company has previously stated that it complies with all relevant laws and regulations in its business operations.
Impact of the Blockade
The blockade is likely to cause significant disruption to Elbit Systems’ operations at the factory, with the company potentially facing financial losses as a result. However, the long-term impact of the blockade remains to be seen.
Support from the Local Community
The protest has received support from some members of the local community, who have expressed their opposition to Elbit Systems’ involvement in the arms trade. However, others have expressed concerns over the potential economic impact of the blockade on the local area.
Conclusion
The blockade of Elbit Systems’ factory by protesters is a significant development in the campaign against the company’s involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict. The action has drawn attention to the issue and has the potential to cause significant disruption to Elbit Systems’ operations.
Q: What is the reason behind the blockade of Elbit Systems’ factory?
A: The blockade is a protest against Elbit Systems’ supply of military equipment to Israel, with the group ‘Silence Elbit Drones’ aiming to disrupt the company’s operations.
Q: Who is behind the blockade?
A: The blockade is being carried out by the direct-action group ‘Silence Elbit Drones’, which is a campaign against Elbit Systems’ involvement in the arms trade.
Q: What is Elbit Systems’ response to the blockade?
A: Elbit Systems has not yet commented on the blockade, but has previously stated that it complies with all relevant laws and regulations in its business operations.
Q: What is the potential impact of the blockade on Elbit Systems’ operations?
A: The blockade is likely to cause significant disruption to Elbit Systems’ operations at the factory, with the company potentially facing financial losses as a result.
Q: What is the reaction of the local community to the blockade?
A: The protest has received support from some members of the local community, who have expressed their opposition to Elbit Systems’ involvement in the arms trade. However, others have expressed concerns over the potential economic impact of the blockade on the local area.
Q: What is the long-term impact of the blockade on Elbit Systems’ operations?
A: The long-term impact of the blockade remains to be seen, but it has the potential to cause significant disruption to Elbit Systems’ operations and draw attention to the issue of the company’s involvement in the arms trade.
