The UK has imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, for what it described as repeated incitement of violence against Palestinian communities
in the occupied West Bank.
The sanctions—announced by Foreign Secretary David Lammy—ban the ministers from entering the UK and freeze any assets they may have in the country. Lammy said both the National Security Minister Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Smotrich had “incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights.”
The move was part of a coordinated action by the UK, Norway, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Israeli response
The Israeli government condemned the decision. A statement read: “It is outrageous that elected officials and members of the Israeli government are subjected to these kinds of measures.” Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the Israeli cabinet would convene next week to discuss a response.
At a ceremony marking the establishment of a new settlement in the West Bank, Smotrich dismissed the UK's move with “contempt,” likening it to Britain's restrictions on Jewish immigration during its mandate over Palestine. He reaffirmed his commitment to expanding settlements.
Context and background
The sanctions come amid rising international concern over settler violence in the West Bank. According to UK Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer, 2024 is shaping up to be one of the most violent years in two decades. He said the two ministers were directly responsible for inciting violence that has led to the deaths and displacement of Palestinian civilians.
Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, both leading ultra-nationalist parties in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, have also come under fire for their hardline stance on Gaza. They have opposed humanitarian aid deliveries and called for the relocation of Palestinians out of the territory.
The UK said its decision could not be separated from the broader situation in Gaza, where it urged Israel to respect international humanitarian law.
Broader diplomatic tensions
This move is the latest in a series of escalating tensions between the UK and Israel. In recent weeks:
- May 19: The UK, France, and Canada warned Israel over its expanded offensive in Gaza.
- May 20: The UK suspended trade talks with Israel and imposed sanctions on extremist settlers.
- June 10: Sanctions were extended to include Smotrich and Ben-Gvir for supporting forced displacement in Gaza.
Foreign Secretary Lammy reiterated the UK’s commitment to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and progress toward a two-state solution.
Meanwhile, opposition figures in the UK responded with mixed reactions. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey welcomed the sanctions but criticized the delay. Conservative shadow home secretary Priti Patel emphasized the need to focus on securing the release of hostages and delivering aid.
The conflict continues to escalate. Since Israel launched its military response to the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023—which killed about 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 people taken hostage—over 54,000 people have reportedly been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Photo by DedaSasha, Wikimedia commons.