UK and allies to Sanction two Israeli ministers over Gaza conduct

UK and Allies to Sanction Two Israeli Ministers Over Gaza Conduct

The United Kingdom, alongside Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other international partners, is set to impose sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers—Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich—due to their roles and rhetoric during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The measures will include asset freezes and travel bans on both ministers. Ben-Gvir, who serves as Israel’s national security minister and is a prominent West Bank settler, and Smotrich, the finance minister, have drawn increasing international criticism for their hardline positions and inflammatory statements.

As of now, the UK Foreign Office has not issued an official response to the report.

This move is part of a broader strategy by Britain and other Western countries to increase pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, particularly over restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza. International observers have raised alarms over worsening food shortages and the threat of famine in the territory.

In May, the UK suspended free trade negotiations with Israel, citing what it described as “egregious policies” in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The British government also summoned Israel’s ambassador and introduced additional sanctions targeting violent settlers in the West Bank.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has condemned Israel’s recent military actions as a troubling escalation and has spoken out against Smotrich’s past remarks, including suggestions of forcibly relocating Gaza’s population.