London
CNN
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The UK, Canada and other allies have announced sanctions against two hard-line Israeli government ministers to “repeated violence against Palestinians.”
According to the UK government, National Security Ministers Itamar Ben Gwil and Finance Minister Bezarel Smotrich will face a travel ban and a freeze on assets.
Both Ben Gwyr and Smotrich lead far-right parties that will help maintain Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fragile coalition of government. Both men face criticism of inflammatory comments about their status in the occupied West Bank and Gaza.
Sanctions are being implemented jointly by Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the UK. Foreign Ministers of five countries.
“We are steadily committed to the two state solutions, the only way to ensure the safety and dignity of Israelis and Palestinians and ensure the long-term stability of the region, but are at risk for the violence and widespread reconciliation of extremist settlers.” The joint statement said.
“Itamar Ben Gwil and Bezarel Smotrich have caused extremist violence and serious abuse of Palestinian human rights. The rhetoric of extremists forcing the forced evacuation of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is horrifyingly dangerous,” the statement added. “We have been extensively involved with the Israeli government on this issue, but violent perpetrators continue to act with encouragement and immunity.”
Sanctions imposed by the five Western countries represent a corruption of policy with the United States. While European and federal allies are increasingly putting pressure on the Netanyahu government, the Trump administration has repeatedly reaffirmed its US-Israel alliance. The US has also called for an end to the conflict in Gaza, but last week the US rejected a UN Security Council resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
While the sanctions are linked to the West Bank, a joint statement from the Western Allies added, “Of course, this will not be seen isolated from the Gaza catastrophe. We will continue to be all but all the immeasurable suffering of civilians, including the denial of essential aid.”
Both Smotrich and Ben Gwil live in settlements on the West Bank, and are held by the Palestinians and the majority of the international community as part of the future Palestinian state.
Both ministers responded Travel bans and financial sanctions On Tuesday afternoon, he vowed to continue their agenda, accusing them of reflecting colonial restrictions on the British Jewish migration to Palestine.
Ben Gwil, leader of the Jewish power party, added, “Sansions don’t scare me.” “I will continue to act for our nation. For our people, I will continue to act and make sure they do not let Hamas provide humanitarian assistance.”
Speaking during the inauguration of Mitzpe ZIV’s new Jewish settlement on the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, Smotrich said, “I heard that Britain has decided to impose sanctions on me as it is blocking the establishment of a Palestinian state.
“The UK has already tried to prevent us from setting up our home cradle. We will never let it happen again. With God’s help, we are determined to continue the building.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saa said the government will hold a “special meeting” early next week to “determine our response to this unacceptable decision.”
“It’s ridiculous that elected representatives and government members are exposed to this type of measure,” Saar said.
Meanwhile, foreign ministers of the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway said in a statement: “The measures announced today do not deviate from unwavering support for Israel’s security and continue to condemn Hamas’ horrifying terrorist attacks on October 7th.
Ben Gwil left the Netanyahu government in January, protesting a ceasefire in Gaza and rejoining the government after Israel returned to the war in March. He repeatedly called for Palestinians to be kicked out of Gaza, and previously said that Israel should “encourage Gazan’s voluntary migration to countries around the world.”
Smotrich, who has a seat in Israeli security minister as finance minister and has a major shaking over Netanyahu, previously called for the official annexation of the settlement on the West Bank of Israeli people. In May, he said the idea of victory in Gaza would mean that territory would be “destroyed” and civilians would be moved to the “human belt” south of the strip or depart for a third country.
Last month, British Foreign Minister David Lamy denounced Smotrich’s comments on the possibility of destruction and cleansing Gaza, telling British lawmakers:
At the time, the UK suspended trade talks with Israel and imposed sanctions on settlers in the West Bank, but stopped sanctions by far-right Israeli ministers.
CNN’s Rob Picheta, Sharon Braithwaite and Abbas al Lawati contributed to this report.
