In a significant move, the United Kingdom, Canada, and several other Western allies have announced sanctions against two far-right Israeli government ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. This coordinated action, which also includes Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, targets the ministers with asset freezes and travel bans, citing their "repeated incitement of violence against Palestinian communities" in the occupied West Bank and their rhetoric concerning Gaza.
The joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of these nations explicitly condemned the ministers' actions, stating that their "extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous." They emphasized that these actions undermine Israel's own security and its standing internationally, while also imperiling the prospect of a two-state solution.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's National Security Minister, and Bezalel Smotrich, the Finance Minister, are both prominent figures in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right coalition. They are known proponents of expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law by most of the global community. Their recent public statements have included calls for the permanent conquest of Gaza, the re-establishment of Jewish settlements there, and the "ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians.
The decision to impose sanctions follows increasing international pressure on Israel regarding its policies in the West Bank and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The UK, along with France and Canada, had previously threatened "concrete actions" if Israel continued with its military offensive in Gaza and maintained aid restrictions. Last month, the UK also suspended free trade talks with Israel and imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers involved in violence against Palestinians.
Israeli officials have reacted strongly to the sanctions. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the move "outrageous" and indicated that the government would hold a special meeting to decide on its response. Bezalel Smotrich, upon learning of the sanctions while inaugurating a new settlement in the West Bank, expressed "contempt" for the UK's decision, asserting a determination to continue building.
Human rights organizations and activists who have long campaigned for such measures have largely welcomed the sanctions, describing them as "historic" and a potential crack in the "wall of immunity" that Israeli politicians have seemingly enjoyed. While the allied nations reiterated their unwavering support for Israel's security, they also stressed the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and working towards an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and unhindered humanitarian aid.
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