The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway announced Tuesday that they are imposing personal sanctions on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for what they described as "incitement to violence against Palestinians." This marks the first instance of Western countries sanctioning sitting ministers in the Israeli government.
According to the official statement, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich were "responsible for incitement, promotion, and support of activities constituting serious violations of the right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, especially acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians in the West Bank."
The statement further asserted that "Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich incited extreme violence and grave violations of Palestinian human rights. Such actions are unacceptable."
The sanctions include asset freezes, travel bans to the sanctioning countries, and business restrictions. Although both men serve in the Israeli government, Ben-Gvir as National Security Minister and Smotrich as Finance Minister and an additional minister in the Defense Ministry, the sanctions were imposed on them "in their personal capacity," the statement emphasized.
Despite the sanctions, the countries affirmed their "strong friendship with the people of Israel" and pledged continued cooperation with the Israeli government. The declaration also reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, while stating that "Hamas cannot have any future role in governing Gaza."
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy had previously indicated that Britain was preparing sanctions over statements he described as "monstrous." Addressing the House of Commons last month, he said: "We are entering a new and darker phase in this conflict. Prime Minister Netanyahu's government is planning to expel the residents of Gaza to a southern corner, while allowing them only a fraction of the aid they desperately need."
