UK Imposes Sanctions on Far-Right Israeli Ministers
The United Kingdom has announced sanctions against far-right Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, according to Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Lammy accused the two ministers of inciting extremist violence and committing serious violations against Palestinian human rights.
Sanctions Details and International Cooperation
The sanctions will include freezing the assets of Smotrich and Ben-Gvir and banning their travel. The UK expects other countries to follow suit. The Foreign Office confirmed that this action is coordinated with international partners such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway.
Israeli Government Responds
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the sanctions, describing them as “unacceptable.” The Israeli cabinet is scheduled to meet next week to determine their response.
Controversial Statements by Smotrich and Ben-Gvir
Both ministers have openly advocated for Israel to take control of Gaza and rebuild Jewish settlements in the region. Last month, Smotrich declared that “Gaza will be entirely destroyed” and has opposed humanitarian aid efforts to the area. Ben-Gvir has similarly called for the permanent relocation of Palestinians from Gaza. Regarding settlements in the occupied West Bank, Smotrich posted on social media that Britain’s previous attempts to halt settlement growth “will not be allowed again,” affirming his commitment to continued expansion.
UK Criticism of Extremist Rhetoric
The UK Foreign Office described the ministers’ calls for forced Palestinian displacement and new settlement construction as “appalling and dangerous.” It also urged an end to the increasing violence and intimidation by Israeli settlers targeting Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
Settlements and the Two-State Solution Challenge
The growth of settlements in the occupied West Bank has been encouraged by successive Israeli governments over many years but has accelerated under Prime Minister Netanyahu’s far-right coalition, which includes prominent settler representatives. Today, more than 100 settlements house approximately 500,000 Israeli settlers throughout the area.
Human rights organizations maintain that these settlements violate international law and represent a significant obstacle to achieving a two-state solution.