ALBAWABA- The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway have jointly imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, accusing them of repeatedly inciting violence against Palestinian communities.
In a coordinated statement released on Friday, the five countries cited "repeated incitements of extremist violence and gross violations of Palestinian human rights" as grounds for the punitive measures.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron emphasized the urgency of de-escalation, stating, “We will continue to press for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas.”
He added that settler violence and ongoing settlement expansion are jeopardizing the already fragile prospects of a two-state solution.
“We have taken action to hold Ben-Gvir and Smotrich accountable for their incitement and extremist rhetoric,” Cameron said. His comments were echoed by the foreign ministers of Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, who reiterated their commitment to a peaceful resolution grounded in the two-state framework.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich dismissed the sanctions as foreign interference, declaring, “Britain once tried to prevent us from settling in our homeland, and we will not allow it again. We are determined to build.”
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded defiantly, saying, “We defeated the Pharaoh of Egypt, and we will defeat Keir Starmer too,” referencing the UK Labour leader in a pointed rebuke of the British sanctions. Ben-Gvir also lashed out at the measures, doubling down on his controversial stance.
Meanwhile, criticism of Israel's actions continues to grow in Europe. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre denounced the “completely unacceptable violations of international law currently taking place in Gaza,” warning that Israeli policies are undermining peace and security in the region.
In a related development, Bloomberg cited the U.S. ambassador to Israel expressing doubt over Washington’s continued support for a Palestinian state. According to the report, the ambassador questioned whether establishing such a state in the West Bank remains a U.S. foreign policy priority, suggesting it might be sought “elsewhere in the region.”
