The governments of the United Kingdom and Canada have announced sanctions against two far-right members of Israel's cabinet, a move anticipated to be followed by other Western allies. This step marks a notable divergence from Washington’s approach and underscores a growing critical stance toward Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Scheduled for announcement on Tuesday, the sanctions will restrict travel rights and freeze the assets of Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich within both Canada and the UK, according to officials familiar with the forthcoming measures.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the sanctions on Tuesday, describing them as “outrageous.”
“We have been informed of the UK’s decision to place two of our ministers on their sanctions list,” Sa’ar stated. “It is unacceptable that elected officials and government members face such punitive actions. I have already discussed this with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and we plan to convene a special government meeting early next week to determine our response to this intolerable decision.”
The decision to impose sanctions on these ministers has been developing over several weeks and follows a stark joint statement issued last month by Canada, the UK, and France addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
That statement warned, “Should Israel fail to halt its renewed military offensive and ease restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will pursue further concrete measures in response.”
In late May, Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy criticized Israel’s conduct in the conflict during a parliamentary session.
Lammy announced the suspension of trade agreement discussions and condemned statements by Finance Minister Smotrich advocating for the “cleansing” of Gaza and the relocation of its two million inhabitants to other countries.
“We must call this extremism for what it is,” Lammy declared. “It is dangerous, repugnant, and monstrous.”
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