The UK government has imposed sanctions on two Israeli ministers known for their far-right views due to their controversial comments regarding Gaza. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s National Security Minister, and Bezalel Smotrich, the Finance Minister, will face a travel ban in the UK and have any assets in the country frozen, according to an announcement from Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Lammy condemned the ministers, stating they have “incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights.” In retaliation, Israeli officials expressed their ire, with a spokesperson asserting, “It is outrageous that elected representatives and members of the government are subjected to these kind of measures.”
Following the announcement, Lammy emphasized the UK’s commitment to addressing these issues, stating, “These actions are not acceptable. This is why we have taken action now – to hold those responsible to account.” He reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and a renewed focus on a two-state solution.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that the Israeli cabinet would convene next week to discuss what he termed the “unacceptable decision.” This recent action by the UK aligns with a broader push from Western nations to hold Israel accountable amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The UK Foreign Office emphasized, along with partners like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway, that violence and intimidation by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the West Bank must come to an end. They asserted that measures against Smotrich and Ben-Gvir must be viewed in the context of the situation in Gaza, where Israel is urged to adhere to International Humanitarian Law.
Both Smotrich and Ben-Gvir are affiliated with right-wing parties that support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition. They have faced substantial criticism due to their positions on the Gaza conflict, with Smotrich actively opposing aid provision to the region. In a recent address during the inauguration of a new settlement in the Hebron Hills, Smotrich expressed disdain for the UK’s actions, declaring, “Britain has already tried once to prevent us from settling the cradle of our homeland, and we cannot do it again. We are determined, God willing, to continue building.”