MWE Correspondent
The United Kingdom (UK), Canada (Canada), Australia (Australia), New Zealand (New Zealand), and Norway (Norway) have imposed sanctions on two influential Israeli cabinet members: Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
These ministers serve in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s (Benjamin Netanyahu) government and are accused of promoting policies that fuel violence and infringe on Palestinian human rights in the occupied West Bank (West Bank).
Ben-Gvir, Israel’s National Security Minister (National Security Minister), leads the far-right Jewish Power party, while Smotrich, the Finance Minister (Finance Minister), heads the Religious Zionism Party. Both face asset freezes and travel bans across the five countries.
“They have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights,” the joint statement by the five countries said, reflecting rising international concern over Israel’s policies in the Gaza Strip (Gaza Strip) and the West Bank.
Controversial Statements Spark Condemnation
The sanctions follow inflammatory remarks by the two ministers. Last month, Smotrich publicly advocated for Gaza to be “destroyed” and urged Palestinian civilians to leave, while also expressing support for Israel’s potential annexation of the West Bank—an action deemed illegal under international law (International law on annexation).
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Ben-Gvir has been vocal against humanitarian aid to Gaza, claiming it supports the militant group Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by many countries (Hamas designation).
Both ministers endorse the expansion of Israeli settlements (Israeli settlements) in contested areas, a key obstacle to peace talks based on the two-state solution.
Diplomatic Fallout and Reactions
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar (Gideon Saar) condemned the sanctions as “outrageous” and “unacceptable.” At the inauguration of a new settlement, Smotrich dismissed Britain’s actions, stating:
“Britain already tried once to prevent us from settling the cradle of our homeland. We are determined, God willing, to keep building.”
Meanwhile, the United States (US) expressed disapproval of the sanctions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Marco Rubio) said the move undermines efforts toward a ceasefire and hostage negotiations.
Significance of Sanctions
The sanctions represent a rare public split between Israel and some of its closest allies, signaling frustration with the hardline policies of Netanyahu’s government and concerns over deteriorating human rights conditions in Palestinian territories.
A British Foreign Office spokesperson emphasized, “This is about accountability and upholding human rights and international law.”
