UK and Allies Sanction Israeli Ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir Over Gaza Violence
Five countries, including the United Kingdom, have imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers in protest against escalating violence in Gaza. The decision targets Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, accusing them of "repeated incitement to violence against the Palestinian community" in the occupied West Bank.
As part of the sanctions, both Smotrich and Ben-Gvir are banned from entering the UK, and any assets they hold in the country will be frozen. The joint measure was announced on Tuesday and involves Australia, Norway, Canada, and New Zealand alongside the UK.
In response, Israel condemned the move, stating that "imposing such measures against elected officials and members of the government is deeply deplorable."
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that both Israeli ministers have “encouraged extreme violence and enabled serious abuses of Palestinian human rights.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the UK’s action. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“These sanctions do not support U.S. efforts to enforce a ceasefire, return all hostages, and bring the war to an end.”
He called on the countries to reverse the decision, emphasizing that the U.S. “stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel.”
Speaking to the BBC, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee described the sanctions as “surprising.”
On the other hand, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called the decision “unacceptable” and announced that the Israeli cabinet will convene next week to discuss possible responses.
Both Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have faced international criticism for their controversial statements and positions on the Gaza conflict. They have opposed the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and have advocated for the resettlement of its residents outside the territory.
