Five Countries Sanction Two Israeli Ministers Over West Bank Violence

On Tuesday, the United Kingdom, joined by Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, announced sanctions against two senior Israeli ministers — Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich — accusing them of promoting hostility against Palestinians living in the West Bank.

Sanctions Imposed

The sanctions include:

• Freezing of all financial assets in the five countries
• A complete ban on travel to these nations

Both ministers are known settlers in the West Bank and have made highly controversial remarks regarding Palestinians. Ben-Gvir holds the position of Israel’s National Security Minister, whereas Smotrich is serving as the Finance Minister.

U.S. Criticizes the Move

“Hamas is the real threat here. These sanctions won’t bring peace or help recover hostages.”

The United States chose not to support the move and urged its allies to rethink their decision, saying it could hurt ongoing peace efforts in Gaza.

Why Were They Targeted?

• Supporting extremist behavior
• Violating the human rights of Palestinians

They stressed that holding individuals accountable for spreading violence is necessary for long-term peace in the region.

Israel’s Reaction

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, called the decision “unjustified and outrageous.” He also said that an urgent government meeting would be held to discuss Israel’s response.

Finance Minister Smotrich, speaking at a public event in a new West Bank settlement, brushed off the sanctions and said:

“Sanctions or not, we will continue to build.”

Global Developments

On the same day, the United States issued its own set of sanctions, but not on Israeli officials. Instead, it targeted:

• A Palestinian human rights group
• Five international charities accused of supporting Hamas

Meanwhile, countries like the UK, France, and Canada have urged Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza and stop further military action. The UK also paused its free trade agreement talks with Israel and announced more penalties against settlers accused of violence.

Divided Opinions on Peace

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the sanctions, claiming they support Hamas and undermine Israel’s efforts. He claimed these countries were “standing on the wrong side of history.”

However, the five sanctioning nations clarified that their actions are only directed at individuals encouraging violence, not the Israeli public or state. They called for:

• An immediate ceasefire in Gaza
• Release of all hostages
• A renewed push for a two-state solution

Background: The Gaza Conflict

The latest war began in October 2023 when Hamas launched a deadly attack in southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages.

In response, Israel launched military operations in Gaza, which have, according to Gaza’s health authorities, resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians.

Both Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have recently supported the idea of re-establishing Israeli settlements in Gaza — an area Israel withdrew from in 2005. Prime Minister Netanyahu, however, has publicly dismissed that proposal.