Unexpected closure of Israeli arms manufacturer in the UK

According to The Guardian, the site—operated by Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems in Aztec West Business Park—had been the focus of multiple demonstrations organized by the activist group Palestine Action, including one on July 1, just days before the group was designated a banned organization in the UK under the Terrorism Act.

The facility had been leased by Elbit since 2019, with the lease running until 2029. Protesters opposing Israeli crimes against Palestinians had repeatedly blocked the entrances, occupied the rooftop, smashed windows, and splashed red paint across the walls of the site.

Elbit Systems is Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer. Last year, the company reported revenues of $6.8 billion, describing itself as the “backbone” of Israel’s drone fleet, a key component of the military’s operations in Gaza.

The company also develops systems for aircraft and helicopters, remotely operated armed boats, military vehicles, and command-and-control platforms.

According to The Guardian, Elbit’s UK branch did not respond to requests for comment on the status of the facility. When a reporter visited the site at the Aztec West industrial and business park on the outskirts of Bristol, it was found to be deserted. The park also hosts facilities for the UK’s foreign and domestic intelligence services, MI6 and MI5.