UK Government Sanctions Two Israeli Ministers Over Gaza Comments
Israeli security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich have been sanctioned by the UK government. (Alamy)
3 min read
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced that two senior Israeli ministers are being sanctioned by the UK government over comments about Gaza and support for extremists in the West Bank.
Israeli security minister Itamar Ben Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smoritch, far-right members of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, have been sanctioned by the UK government.
In a joint statement, Lammy, along with the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway described the actions of Ben-Gvir and Smoritch as "not acceptable".
“We are steadfastly committed to the two-state solution and will continue to work with our partners towards its implementation," the statement on Tuesday said.
"It is the only way to guarantee security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long-term stability in the region, but it is imperilled by extremist settler violence and settlement expansion.
“Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights. These actions are not acceptable. This is why we have taken action now – to hold those responsible to account.
“We will strive to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of the remaining hostages by Hamas, which can have no future role in the governance of Gaza, a surge in aid, and a path to a two-state solution.”
The sanctions will see the freezing of the assets of both ministers, as well as travel bans.
Finance minister Smotrich, who last month said "Gaza will be entirely destroyed" and that Palestinians will "leave in great numbers to third countries," has also approved a significant expansion of settlements in the West Bank and campaigned against humanitarian aid being allowed into Gaza.
Security minister Ben Gvir, who is also a West Bank settler, has also supported the removal of Palestinians from Gaza, stating: "We must encourage emigration. Encourage the voluntary emigration of the residents of Gaza". Ben Gvir also has a history of association with the far-right Kahanist movement and has previously been convicted of inciting terrorism and racism in Israel.
Responding to the UK government's sanctions, Israeli foreign affairs minister Gideon Sa'ar on Tuesday afternoon said the decision was "outrageous".
"We will hold a special government meeting early next week to decide on our response to this unacceptable decision," he said.
Shadow foreign secretary and Tory MP Priti Patel commenting on the joint announcement said: “We have been clear that the British government must leverage its influence at every opportunity to ensure the remaining hostages are released, that aid continues to reach those who need it, and a sustainable end to the conflict is achieved.
“The Conservative Party has always been committed to supporting a two-state solution – delivered in the right way, and at the right time – and will work with the government to support efforts to achieve this, where those efforts are effective.”
Welcoming the announcement, Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said: "The antidote to the extremism of ministers like Ben-Gvir and Smotrich must be to officially recognise the independent state of Palestine.
"The government should take this vital step at next week’s summit - rejecting extremism, demonstrating the UK's commitment to self-determination, and giving both Israelis and Palestinians hope of a lasting peace.”
Emily Thornberry, Labour MP and chair of the foreign affairs committee, also welcomed the decision.
"I and others have been calling for sanctions on these extremist Israeli ministers for the better part of a year," she said.
"The government is finally doing the right thing. This must be a precursor to recognising a Palestinian state next week — not an alternative to it."
