UK Sanctions Far-Right Israeli Ministers for Inciting Violence in West Bank
The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on two key far-right Israeli ministers—Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich—citing their repeated incitement of violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
The move, announced by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, will freeze the ministers’ UK assets and ban them from entering the country. This step, coordinated with Australia, Canada, Norway, and New Zealand, follows rising international concern over settler violence and inflammatory rhetoric from senior Israeli officials.
Smotrich, Israel’s Finance Minister, and Ben-Gvir, the Minister of National Security, have come under fire for publicly supporting extremist actions and opposing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Their statements have fueled tension during a period already marred by record levels of settler violence, according to UK officials.
Israel’s government reacted strongly, calling the sanctions “outrageous” and claiming the measures unfairly target elected officials. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has promised a cabinet-level response.
The UK Foreign Office justified the action, saying it reflects mounting concern over rising intimidation and violence by Israeli settlers. The ministry emphasized that the sanctions are also tied to Israel’s conduct in Gaza, where calls have grown for adherence to international humanitarian law.
David Lammy reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, increased humanitarian aid, and progress toward a two-state solution. He condemned the ministers’ rhetoric as dangerous and said the UK could not ignore the destabilizing impact of their actions.
Both ministers play pivotal roles in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition, which relies on the support of their ultra-nationalist parties. The timing of the sanctions underscores escalating tensions between the UK and Israel, especially following previous moves including the suspension of trade talks and diplomatic warnings issued in May.
Criticism has come from allies too. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ambassador Mike Huckabee condemned the sanctions, arguing they undermine efforts to achieve a ceasefire.
The UK’s decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the West Bank, where more than 54,000 people have died since the October 2023 conflict erupted, according to Gaza health authorities.
With global diplomatic pressure mounting and public demand for accountability growing, this latest action marks one of the UK’s most serious foreign policy statements on Israel in recent years.
