The sanctions reflect rising diplomatic tensions as the UK and allies push for accountability in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
UK Imposes Sanctions on Far-Right Israeli Ministers Amid Gaza Controversy
UK Imposes Sanctions on Far-Right Israeli Ministers Amid Gaza Controversy
UK government targets two Israeli ministers for inflammatory remarks on Gaza, invoking international law and humanitarian concerns.
The UK has implemented sanctions against two Israeli ministers known for their far-right positions over controversial comments regarding Gaza. Itamar Ben-Gvir, the National Security Minister, and Bezalel Smotrich, the Finance Minister, will face entry bans into the UK and their assets in the country will be frozen, as confirmed by the Foreign Secretary David Lammy. "These ministers have actively incited extremist violence and serious violations against Palestinian human rights," Lammy stated. In response, Israeli officials expressed outrage at the measures, claiming the sanctions are a direct attack on elected representatives.
Both Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have garnered significant criticism, particularly for their harsh stances during the ongoing war in Gaza. While Smotrich has opposed aid entry into Gaza, Ben-Gvir's rhetoric has included calls for the resettlement of the Gazan populace. After the sanctions were announced, Lammy reiterated that such actions cannot go unchallenged and emphasized the UK’s commitment to pursuing an immediate ceasefire and a resolution based on a two-state solution.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar condemned the UK’s decision, calling for a cabinet meeting to address the “unacceptable” action. The British Foreign Office, in conjunction with international partners including Australia and Canada, has also condemned the rise in violence against Palestinian communities by Israeli settlers, asserting that the sanctions against Smotrich and Ben-Gvir relate directly to the humanitarian crises unfolding in Gaza, where it insisted that Israel must adhere to international law.
Ben-Gvir and Smotrich represent right-wing factions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government, and their parties hold a significant number of seats in the Knesset. Smotrich downplayed the sanctions, referring to historical attempts to halt Jewish settlement in their homeland.
The UK’s decision comes amid growing domestic and parliamentary calls for actions against the Israeli government regarding its military operations. Following a series of escalations, European leaders, including those from the UK, France, and Canada, have voiced concerns over Israel’s conduct and potential breaches of international law.
Reacting to the new sanctions, Conservative shadow home secretary Dame Priti Patel asserted the necessity for the British government to leverage its influence to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need and to secure the release of hostages. Similarly, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey acknowledged the sanctions but criticized the delay in action from the government and Labour.
The conflict has resulted in a staggering toll, with reports from Gaza citing over 54,000 fatalities since Israel commenced its military operations in response to attacks by Hamas.
Both Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have garnered significant criticism, particularly for their harsh stances during the ongoing war in Gaza. While Smotrich has opposed aid entry into Gaza, Ben-Gvir's rhetoric has included calls for the resettlement of the Gazan populace. After the sanctions were announced, Lammy reiterated that such actions cannot go unchallenged and emphasized the UK’s commitment to pursuing an immediate ceasefire and a resolution based on a two-state solution.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar condemned the UK’s decision, calling for a cabinet meeting to address the “unacceptable” action. The British Foreign Office, in conjunction with international partners including Australia and Canada, has also condemned the rise in violence against Palestinian communities by Israeli settlers, asserting that the sanctions against Smotrich and Ben-Gvir relate directly to the humanitarian crises unfolding in Gaza, where it insisted that Israel must adhere to international law.
Ben-Gvir and Smotrich represent right-wing factions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government, and their parties hold a significant number of seats in the Knesset. Smotrich downplayed the sanctions, referring to historical attempts to halt Jewish settlement in their homeland.
The UK’s decision comes amid growing domestic and parliamentary calls for actions against the Israeli government regarding its military operations. Following a series of escalations, European leaders, including those from the UK, France, and Canada, have voiced concerns over Israel’s conduct and potential breaches of international law.
Reacting to the new sanctions, Conservative shadow home secretary Dame Priti Patel asserted the necessity for the British government to leverage its influence to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need and to secure the release of hostages. Similarly, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey acknowledged the sanctions but criticized the delay in action from the government and Labour.
The conflict has resulted in a staggering toll, with reports from Gaza citing over 54,000 fatalities since Israel commenced its military operations in response to attacks by Hamas.
