Palestine Action: Nine arrests after activists break into Israeli-based business in Bristol

Nine people have been arrested after Pro-Palestine activists broke into an Israeli-based company in Bristol.

The activists forced entry into Elbit Systems, a ‘defence electronics’ firm, at Aztec West near Bradley Stoke on Sunday aftermoon (May 15).

The group broke into the building at around 4.15pm before barricading themselves inside.

Avon and Somerset Police, who later swooped on the building following an alarm activation, said they found graffiti and smashed windows.

A spokesperson for the force added: “By 8pm officers arrested six people on suspicion of aggravated burglary.

“A further three people were arrested outside the building on suspicion of criminal damage.

“All remain in police custody at the time of writing.”

It is understood that that Elbit Systems has premises at nine locations in the UK and Bristol is the firm’s HQ.

According to the company’s website, Elbit Systems develops and supplies a range of ‘airborne, land and naval systems and products’ for ‘defence, homeland security and commercial applications’.

Palestine Action said on its website that it had targeted the firm’s ‘main operational facility’ to ‘cause maximum obstruction’ to Elbit Systems, adding that it believed targeting the firm was ‘key to ending Britain’s role in Israel’s violent apartheid’.