Elbit Systems factory shut down by protesters – again

On the morning of 26 March in Filton, Bristolians immobilised a weapons factory of Israeli arms contractor Elbit Systems. The building, used for the production of “battle-tested” drones used for strike missions on men, women and children in Gaza, was forced to a halt by a chain of around 60 people.

The picket line formed at 6.50am, prior to workers arriving, and remained firm for at least 90 minutes. Actionists chanted “Shut Elbit Down!” and “Free Palestine!”, and held Palestinian flags and banners demanding ” STOP ARMING GENOCIDE”.

The protest indicated a clear message: Bristol’s people want to drive contractors like Elbit Systems out of their city. Protesters pushed past barriers blocking access to the main gate, which has 24/7 security guards. And they stood with their arms linked, blocking any workers or vehicles entering the site.

Elbit Systems fuelling and profiting from genocide

Elbit Systems is Israel’s main weapons provider and self-proclaimed “backbone” of the Israeli Defense Fleet through supply of drones, armoured vehicles, and munitions. The company’s UK subsidiary UAV Engines Ltd manufactures the engine of the Hermes 450 drone. Israel used such a drone to murder UK aid workers in Gaza in 2024.

As the actionists’ banner stating “ELBIT PROFITS FROM MURDER” highlights, in 2024, at the height of the ongoing genocidal campaign in Palestine by Israel, Elbit announced revenues of US$ 6.8bn.

Like other Elbit Systems facilities, activists have targeted this site several times since October 2023. Its sister site in Aztec West closed down last September, years before its lease expiry. It’s likely that direct action had rendered it financially unviable.

The recent US-israeli strike on Iran has further lined Elbit’s pockets. According to the company’s chief exec, Bezhalel Machlis, Elbit Systems supplies Israel with long-range guided munitions and equipment for electronic warfare.

A spokesperson for the actionists said:

In January, Elbit was denied a £2 billion contract with the MoD. In February, the high court ruled the proscription of Palestine Action unlawful on two grounds.

Most of our brothers and sisters, imprisoned for resisting genocide, have been granted bail and able to return to their loved ones.

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These victories are symptoms of a bigger shift. Thousands have signed up to a direct action training to resist companies like Elbit. Its doors in Bristol will shut for good, not because of the government, but because of the people

Another protester said:

Bristol, through hosting military contractors such as this one we’re outside the gates of, is covering itself in the blood of Palestinian men, women and children. I am horrified to see my city again and again on the wrong side of history. Complicity is no longer an option.

It is our duty as workers with pension pots, payers of tuition fees, parents of children at schools. Where companies like Elbit get free entry to careers fairs, by the way. It is our duty as people of Bristol to disturb the workings of this factory yesterday, today, and tomorrow, until it is forced to shut down.

Featured image via Barold / the Canary