The United Kingdom has recently teamed up with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway to coordinate sanctions. They are specifically going after two extremist Israeli ministers — Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. The sanctions come in response to their inflammatory comments regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza and their actions that have been characterized as inciting violence and human rights abuses against Palestinians.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Israeli Minister of National Security, storming the al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem on May 26. His actions sparked a firestorm of popular outrage. He has made calls for the Muslim world’s third-holiest site to be replaced with a synagogue, a move that many view as a direct provocation. In addition to this, Ben-Gvir has repeatedly advocated for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza.
Bezalel Smotrich, the Israeli Minister of Finance, has drawn significant criticism for his statements regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Most controversially of all last year, he proposed that the hunger-related deaths of 2 million Palestinians might be justified. Looking towards the Israel/Palestine conflict, Smotrich has signed off on the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. He’s campaigning to block all humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza, claiming that he would not allow “even a grain of wheat” into the war zone.
These implied sanctions against Ben-Gvir and Smotrich would consist of travel bans and asset freezes. These measures aim to hold them accountable for their roles in inciting violence and undermining Palestinian human rights. David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, condemned their remarks, calling Smotrich’s comments “monstrous and repellant.”
“Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights. These actions are not acceptable. This is why we have taken action now – to hold those responsible to account.” – David Lammy
The actions of these ministers have not only drawn condemnation from Western nations but have faced criticism from Germany, one of Israel’s closest allies. The UK Foreign Office has made it clear that it seeks to increase pressure on Israel’s government amidst the ongoing war in Gaza.
“The measures announced by international partners today demonstrate the commitment to ensure individuals are held accountable for encouraging and inciting human rights abuses.” – The Foreign Office
The UK government has consistently communicated its disapproval to the Netanyahu administration regarding its policies, particularly concerning the expansion of illegal settlements that threaten the viability of a future Palestinian state.
“The UK has made clear in public and private to the Netanyahu government that Israel must cease expansion of illegal settlements which undermine a future Palestinian state, clamp down on settler violence, and condemn inflammatory and extremist statements from both individuals.” – The Foreign Office
In light of the sanctions, some Israeli officials have voiced their discontent. Gideon Sa’ar, a member of the Israeli Knesset, expressed outrage over what he described as punitive measures against elected representatives.
“It is outrageous that elected representatives and members of the government are subjected to these kinds of measures.” – Gideon Sa’ar
The sanctions reflect a broader international consensus aiming to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, calls for an immediate ceasefire have intensified. Lammy emphasized the necessity of an immediate release of hostages held by Hamas while advocating for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“We will strive to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of the remaining hostages by Hamas which can have no future role in the governance of Gaza, a surge in aid, and a path to a two-state solution.” – David Lammy
The United Kingdom and its allies are now looking to reaffirm their commitment to human rights and accountability amid an environment where inflammatory rhetoric continues to escalate tensions in the region. The imposition of these sanctions marks a significant step in holding individuals responsible for actions deemed harmful to peace efforts between Israelis and Palestinians.