“In light of that uncertainty we have taken the decision to suspend these existing export licences in the event of a resumption of significant hostilities.
“No new licences of military equipment have been issued for use by the Israeli Defence Force during the review period and as a precautionary measure this approach will continue until hostilities cease.”
The government said it was continuing to monitor the situation and would revoke arms export licences to Israel if those already in place were not used consistently with their issuing criteria.
The 12 identified licences refer to military equipment including radar systems, combat aircraft and tanks.
No suspensions would affect Israel’s Iron Dome missile shield system, or a deal for £7.7 billion of cryptographic equipment which was agreed with the UK in February last year.