A British court sentenced four members of the banned group Palestine Action to prison for their involvement in the August 2024 sabotage of an Elbit Systems weapons factory in Bristol. The activists caused £1.3 million (approximately $1.65 million USD) in damage by demolishing equipment at the facility. One individual received a nearly eight-year sentence after assaulting a police officer with a marble. The sentences were increased following a re-trial where the court linked the actions to terrorism. Prosecutors argued the group’s intent was to disrupt the arms trade and intimidate Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense contractor. The convictions highlight the UK’s stance against direct action targeting defense industries and the legal consequences of escalating protest tactics. The group Palestine Action has previously staged numerous demonstrations against Elbit Systems.