Pro-Palestine activists have reportedly targeted the homes of defence company executives in a series of vandalism attacks. A group calling itself The List claims responsibility for the incidents, which have affected properties in South Queensferry, Dunfermline and Fleet.
Incidents reported in Scotland and Hampshire
Police Scotland is investigating two incidents of vandalism in South Queensferry and Dunfermline, where both homes and cars were targeted. In one case, activists slashed a woman's car tyres and threw red paint across her house. In another, the phrase "baby killers" was sprayed across a garage door, understood to be a reference to children killed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza.
The third incident occurred in Fleet, Hampshire. A woman, believed to be an executive from Ultra Intelligence & Communications, which reportedly supplies Elbit Systems, had her tyres slashed and her home defaced.
Counterterrorism support and company response
Counterterrorism officers are believed to be supporting Police Scotland and other forces across the UK where criminal damage has been reported. A UK-wide investigation may also be launched. Officers are also believed to have provided security advice to the defence companies involved.
A spokesperson for Leonardo UK said: "The safety and wellbeing of our employees is an absolute priority and we are providing support to the individual affected. We are also assisting counterterrorism police with their ongoing investigation."
Group's statement and political reaction
The List claims to have targeted more than half a dozen senior employees from defence firms in the UK, including Israeli weapons giant Elbit Systems. Images of the attacks were reportedly posted on a website registered in Iceland.
Posting on the site, The List said: "Through research, hacking, whistleblowers and leaks we have built up an extensive bank of addresses and personal information of those whose lives are dedicated to the Palestinian people. Our message to anyone working for companies abetting the genocide is this: you are responsible for the work that you do and the countless lives that your work takes. Quit your job, or risk a visit from The List."
Former UK Government adviser John Woodcock condemned the tactics. He said: "This disturbing and inexcusable behaviour puts individuals serving their country and their families at risk and seeks to undermine Britain's vital defence industry. The List is a sinister escalation of Palestine Action's playbook who themselves have targeted individuals working with Elbit in the past. Ministers should be ready to move swiftly against this group as a Palestine Action spin-off and must not buckle to the activists claiming the group's strategy of criminal direct action and violence is just harmless protest."
It is currently unknown if The List is related to Palestine Action, a direct action group which the UK Government has proscribed as a terrorist organisation.
