Western Nations Impose Sanctions on Israeli Ministers
Published on 6.13.25
The recent move by Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway to sanction Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich highlights the growing concern over Israel's settlement policies and settler violence in the West Bank. The sanctions were triggered by the ministers' alleged role in inciting extremist violence against Palestinians.
Finance Minister Smotrich was accused of "inciting violence" alongside Ben-Gvir, who has called for Gazans to be resettled and demanded the replacement of the Al-Aqsa Mosque with a synagogue. This stance is seen as a hardline position that contravenes international law.
The UK's decision to impose sanctions on the two ministers was described as "outrageous" by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who argued that Gaza already has enough aid and resuming deliveries would be a "serious and grave mistake". However, this stance is at odds with the views of many international observers, who see the sanctions as a necessary measure to hold Israel accountable for its actions.
The imposition of sanctions on Israeli officials marks a significant escalation in the diplomatic tensions between Israel and several Western countries. The move is seen as a response to Israel's settlement policies and settler violence that has increased since Hamas' attack in Gaza in October 2023.