Callum Sutherland
The U.K. and several allies have imposed sanctions on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, accusing the two far-right politicians of inciting violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway joined the U.K. in imposing a travel ban on Ben-Gvir—Israel’s national security minister and a West Bank settler—and Finance Minister Smotrich. The five governments also froze any assets either may have in their countries.
“Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights. These actions are not acceptable,” said British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. “This is why we have taken action now – to hold those responsible to account.”
The British government reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution and described the ongoing violence against Palestinians in the West Bank as “completely unacceptable.”
The sanctions come as the U.K. and other European nations increase pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to lift the blockade on aid into Gaza, where humanitarian experts warn that famine is imminent.
"Britain has already tried once to prevent us from settling the cradle of our homeland, and we cannot do it again,” responded Smotrich, referring to a 1939 British document limiting Jewish migration. “We are determined God willing to continue building," Smotrich added, speaking at the inauguration of a new settlement in the Hebron Hills.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the sanctions as “outrageous,” adding that the government would convene a special meeting to determine its response to what he called an “unacceptable decision.”
Here’s what to know about the sanctions.
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