The #ElbitEight were sick of appealing to the government to stop killing our brothers and sisters in Palestine.
3 years ago, they decided to take direct action to disrupt the production of Israeli weapons instead.
Palestine Action began.🧵
First, some of them stormed the London HQ of Israel's largest weapons firm, Elbit Systems. After they were outnumbered by security, they came back with more people to #ShutElbitDown
Then, five of them occupied the roof and disarmed Elbit's weapons factory in Shenstone - they were up there for 3 days but production of Israeli drone engines was halted for two weeks.
In the first six months of the movement, they'd also taken action against the landlords of Elbit's London HQ, Elbit's weapons factory in Oldham and Kent.
Israel wasn't happy its military supply chain was constantly disrupted, so they met with Dominic Raab to ask him to crush our movement.
The state then raided our founders, took their passports, interrogated them for hours and charged three of the #ElbitEight with blackmail.
If convicted of blackmail, the three could be banned from campaigning for life - if they even sign a petition, they could be recalled to prison.
Clearly, the charges are politicised. But Palestine Action never goes down without a fight!
The #ElbitEight now face a range of charges including conspiracy to destroy, burgle and blackmail Israel's weapons trade - the same industry that markets its weapons as "battle-tested" on the Palestinian people.
From November 13th, the #ElbitEight will stand trial for six weeks at Snaresbrook Crown Court, 75 Hollybush Hill, London, E11 1QW.
Support is welcome both outside the court and inside the public gallery from 9.30AM - 4.30PM each working day of the six week trial!
Tonight, we are holding an online public meeting to discuss the case further and ways you can support.
BREAKING: Two actionists were sentenced to prison after dismantling a supplier of weaponry for Israeli drones and fighter jets.
One, was given a sentence of 27 months. Whilst the other was sentenced to 18 months.
Another who joined the action was acquitted at Crown Court. This move by the state to imprison the two, demonstrates how they favour protecting Israel’s weapons industry, over the rights of protestors in Britain.
More information will be released shortly on how to support the two, and next steps in the campaign to free them. The state is trying to crackdown, but Palestine Action will not back down.
BREAKING: Palestine Action has taken over a Newcastle factory owned by Israeli state weapons company Rafael. Actions won't stop until the Nakba does #Nakba75
The newly purchased site by Israel, is supposed to be first step of their planned expansion into Britain. Palestine Action will not allow that to happen #ShutRafaelDown
Get down to Armstrong Works, Scotswood Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 6UX
BREAKING: Staffordshire police sent emails to locals surrounding Israel's weapons factory in Shenstone, in defence of the company's head of security, who was recently exposed in an article by @HudaAmmori for @The_NewArab#ShutElbitDown
Martin Kelly, left the police force, to become Elbit UK's Head of Security. There's a strong possibility he was working on Palestine Action cases as a police officer before getting paid by Israel's largest arms firm.
Israel's largest arms company, Elbit Systems, produce 85% of Israel's military drones, which are used to attack, surveil and traumatise the Palestinian people. Palestine Action takes direct action to #ShutElbitDown, leading to numerous trials. [1/9]
With countless Palestine Actionists putting their liberty on the line to destroy & disrupt Elbit's sites in Britain, the state have responded with countless charges. To date, we have won every single trial and exposed Israel's crimes in the courts. [2/9]
And there are still many more court cases to come. Activists need your ongoing support and mobilisation both inside and outside the courts to make the message clear: Elbit Systems are the only criminals here. [3/9]