Israel ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich sanctioned by UK and allies

Britain, along with four allied nations, imposed sanctions on two Israeli ministers, accusing them of consistently inciting violence against Palestinians. Britain’s Foreign Ministry announced that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir would be barred from entering the UK and would have any assets held in the country frozen.

This coordinated action—taken in partnership with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway—marks a notable escalation in international censure of Israel’s handling of the conflict in Gaza.

A UK government official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Canada and Australia had also imposed sanctions, while Norway and New Zealand had limited their measures to travel bans, AFP reported.

The sanctions mark a significant divergence from the stance of the United States, Israel’s closest ally. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the five participating countries said that Israeli ministers Ben Gvir and Smotrich had encouraged extremist violence and were linked to serious violations of Palestinian human rights.

The ministers emphasized that such behaviour was unacceptable and justified the coordinated action to hold those involved accountable.

Ben Gvir and Smotrich are key figures in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s politically fragile coalition government. Both have faced international criticism for their hardline positions on the Gaza conflict and their inflammatory remarks regarding Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Smotrich, who resides in one such settlement, has openly backed the expansion of settlements and has increasingly advocated for the annexation of the territory.