London Activists Take to Roof of “Israeli” Company: Stop arming “Israel”

Local Editor

Around 10 activists from the London Palestine Action Group have taken to the roof of Elbit systems, an "Israeli" company with a subsidiary based in Shenstone, near Birmingham.

According to the LPAG, Elbit systems is one of the world's leading manufacturers of unmanned aerial drones, which say the "Israeli" army has used in their ongoing offensive in Gaza.

The group also says that the factory is part of the ‘Watchkeeper program' which "is leading the manufacture of a new generation of drones for the UK military."
The protest began in the early hours of Tuesday morning, with protesters hanging a banner across the factory roof saying "UK: Stop arming "Israel"".
According to the group's Tumblr blog, the activists chained the doors of the factory shut, and are demanding the closure of the factory, along with all forms of military trade and cooperation with "Israel".'

The blog goes on to say: "The factory that we are occupying produces engines for drones and is owned by Elbit Systems, "Israel's" largest military company and the world's largest drones producer. Drone engines manufactured at this factory have been [sic] exported to "Israel" in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and Elbit Systems drones are being used in Israel's ongoing massacre. Any claims that components manufactured at this factory are not being used in "Israel's" current attack on Gaza are not credible."

Police have been called to the scene and have closed off the road leading to the factory.