U.K., Canada, and Others Impose Sanctions on Far-Right Israeli Ministers.
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The coordinated move against Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich highlights the hardening of several countries’ stance toward Israel amid the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Western Nations Target Israeli Ministers
Five Western countries—Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway—announced sanctions on Tuesday targeting two far-right Israeli cabinet ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. The measures, which include travel restrictions and asset freezes, mark a significant escalation in Western efforts to address settler violence in the West Bank and Israel’s conduct in the Gaza conflict.
The sanctions reflect growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the increasing violence perpetrated by extremist Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. The joint action underscores Israel’s deepening diplomatic isolation as allies adopt tougher stances.
Who Are Ben-Gvir and Smotrich?
Hard-Line Voices in Netanyahu’s Cabinet
Itamar Ben-Gvir, 49, serves as Israel’s security minister, while Bezalel Smotrich, 45, is the finance minister. Both are prominent figures in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, known for their ultranationalist views. They have publicly advocated for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, statements that British Foreign Secretary David Lammy described as “monstrous.”
“Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights,” Lammy and the foreign ministers of the four other countries said in a joint statement.
Their rhetoric and policies, including support for expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank, have drawn widespread condemnation from international leaders and human rights groups.
Reasons Behind the Sanctions
Settler Violence and Gaza Crisis
The sanctions primarily respond to the surge in settler violence in the West Bank, with the five countries citing 1,900 attacks on Palestinian civilians since last year. These acts, coupled with the ongoing expansion of illegal settlements, are seen as undermining prospects for a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Additionally, the measures aim to pressure Netanyahu’s government to negotiate a cease-fire with Hamas in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation has deteriorated significantly. British officials emphasized that the sanctions are part of a broader strategy to hold Israel accountable for upholding international humanitarian law.
International Reactions
Israel and U.S. Push Back
Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, condemned the sanctions as “unacceptable,” vowing that the government would discuss a response in the coming week. Meanwhile, the United States, a key ally of Israel, also criticized the move. Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued that the sanctions undermined efforts to secure a cease-fire and urged their reversal, emphasizing that Hamas, not Israeli officials, should be the focus of Western pressure.
Despite U.S. objections, British officials noted that they had consulted with the incoming Trump administration, encountering minimal resistance. This suggests a potential shift in U.S.-Israel dynamics, particularly as President Trump has recently expressed frustration with Netanyahu over the Gaza conflict.
Criticism and Limitations
A Symbolic Gesture?
Some analysts argue that the sanctions, while symbolically significant, may have limited impact on Israeli policy. Daniel Levy, a former Israeli peace negotiator, described the measures as “performative,” noting that they do not directly affect the broader Israeli public or address the ongoing violations of international law in Gaza and the West Bank.
Critics also point out that Ben-Gvir and Smotrich appear to embrace their blacklisted status. Smotrich, for instance, defiantly vowed to continue expanding West Bank settlements, while Ben-Gvir accused European nations of appeasing Hamas.
Broader Context
Shifting Alliances and Diplomatic Isolation
The sanctions come amid growing international scrutiny of Israel’s actions. Last month, Britain, Canada, and France issued a joint statement condemning the treatment of civilians in Gaza, though France opted not to participate in the latest sanctions. Meanwhile, countries like Norway, Ireland, and Spain have recognized an independent Palestinian state, a move others are considering.
The involvement of four Five Eyes nations—Australia, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand—highlights the coordinated nature of the sanctions. For Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the move addresses domestic pressure from Labour Party members advocating for stronger action against Israel, following steps like the partial suspension of arms shipments and pausing trade deal talks.
While the sanctions represent a bold step, their ability to alter Israel’s policies remains uncertain. The defiance of Israeli officials and the limited scope of the measures suggest that deeper structural changes may be needed to address the root causes of the conflict. As international pressure mounts, the coming months will test whether such actions can pave the way for meaningful dialogue and peace.
UK Sanctions Two Israeli Ministers Over West Bank Violence: What It Means and Why It Matters
In a significant diplomatic move, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on two senior Israeli ministers — Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich — accusing them of promoting violence against Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank.
The decision means both ministers are now barred from entering the UK and any assets they may hold in the country have been frozen. This action is part of a coordinated move by the UK along with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway, and reflects mounting international concern over rising tensions and violence in the region.
Why the UK Took This Step
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the ministers have played a key role in inciting extremist violence and serious human rights abuses against Palestinians. In particular, Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have come under fire for inflammatory remarks and for supporting the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank — a practice widely seen as illegal under international law.
According to Lammy, this action sends a clear message: such behaviour, especially from those in positions of power, cannot go unchecked. He also stressed the UK’s broader objective — securing a ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need, and working toward a two-state solution for lasting peace.
Reactions from Israel and the United States
Israel quickly condemned the move. A government statement called the sanctions “outrageous,” saying they target democratically elected officials and undermine diplomatic ties. Finance Minister Smotrich reacted with defiance, referencing the British Mandate era and accusing the UK of once again trying to block Jewish settlement in the region.
National Security Minister Ben-Gvir, known for his far-right positions, has also rejected the criticism. Both men lead ultra-nationalist parties that are part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition, and their support is crucial to keeping the government intact.
In the US, prominent conservative voices have also criticised the UK’s decision. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the sanctions as a setback to diplomatic efforts and claimed they could hinder the goal of ending the ongoing conflict. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called the move “shocking” during an interview with the BBC.
Background to the Tensions
Violence in the West Bank has escalated sharply in recent months. Settler attacks on Palestinian communities have intensified, displacing entire villages. British officials say 2024 is already shaping up to be one of the most violent years in two decades for the region.
According to Hamish Falconer, a UK Foreign Office minister, Smotrich and Ben-Gvir bear direct responsibility for fuelling this violence. Despite repeated warnings, both have continued to use provocative language that, according to the UK government, has emboldened settlers to carry out attacks.
There have been ongoing calls within the UK Parliament to take action. Former Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron had reportedly planned to sanction the two ministers as early as late 2023, highlighting how long the concerns have been brewing.
Gaza, Settlements, and the Broader Picture
This move also comes amid international concern over Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which were launched in response to the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks that killed around 1,200 Israelis and saw hundreds taken hostage. Since then, the death toll in Gaza has risen above 54,000, according to the territory’s health ministry.
Both Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have taken hardline stances, including opposing humanitarian aid into Gaza and calling for the displacement of Palestinians from the territory — positions that have drawn strong criticism at home and abroad.
Looking Ahead
The UK, France, and Canada had already warned in May that Israel risked breaching international law. Around the same time, the UK suspended trade talks with Israel and began sanctioning violent settlers in the West Bank. Tuesday’s sanctions on the ministers are seen as a continuation of that pressure.
Israel’s government has promised to respond to the UK’s decision, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar calling it unacceptable. The matter is expected to be discussed in Israel’s cabinet in the coming days.
Meanwhile, opposition parties in the UK have voiced differing opinions. The Liberal Democrats welcomed the sanctions but criticised both major parties for taking too long to act. The Conservative opposition stressed the need to focus on securing the release of hostages and delivering aid to Gaza.
As the war in Gaza nears the two-year mark, this move by the UK could mark a turning point in how Western allies engage with Israel’s leadership — especially those elements seen as obstructing peace efforts. Whether this leads to any meaningful shift on the ground remains uncertain, but the message from London is clear: violent rhetoric and actions will no longer be tolerated without consequence.
