The UK government will impose sanctions on Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Times reported on Tuesday.
The UK government will impose sanctions on Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for their right-wing views, the Times reported on Tuesday.
According to the report, the UK will be joined by Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries.
The report cites several remarks made by Smotrich and Ben-Gvir in relation to Gaza and the Palestinian population, which have drawn strong international criticism. These include Smotrich’s assertion that “Gaza will be entirely destroyed,” and Ben-Gvir’s call to encourage the “voluntary emigration” of residents from Gaza.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, addressing Parliament last month, described their statements as “monstrous” and labelled them “extremism.” He linked their rhetoric to broader concerns over Israel’s military conduct in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis unfolding there.
Last month, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a declaration warning Israel of potential violations of international law. Prime Minister Netanyahu responded strongly, accusing the leaders of encouraging antisemitism and siding against Israel.
Minister Ben-Gvir commented on the reported: “Boo to the white paper (referring to the British orders prohibiting Jewish immigration to the Land of Israel during the British Mandate), we survived Pharaoh, we will survive Keir Starmer as well. I will continue to work for the State of Israel and the people of Israel without fear!”
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responded to the report during the inauguration of the new community “Mitzpe Ziv” in the Hebron Hills: “While sitting here, I heard that Britain has decided to impose sanctions on me because I am thwarting the establishment of a Palestinian state. There could not be better timing than this. The natural response will also be practical, but the verbal response is disdain for the White Paper.”
He added: “Britain already tried once to prevent us from settling the cradle of our homeland, and we will not allow it to do so again. With God’s help, we are determined to continue building.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar commented on the report during a joint press conference with Zambian Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe: “We were informed about the UK decision to include two of our Ministers on the British Sanctions list. It is outrageous that elected representatives and members of the government are subjected to these kinds of measures.”
Sa’ar noted: “I discussed it earlier today with PM Netanyahu and we will hold a special government meeting early next week to decide on our response to this unacceptable decision.”
