UK Sanctions Israeli Ministers Over West Bank Violence

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Photo: Reuters

The United Kingdom has announced new sanctions on two far-right Israeli government ministers—Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. These ministers are accused of encouraging violence against Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank.

As a result of these sanctions:

• They are banned from entering the UK.

• Any money or property they have in the UK will be frozen.

This decision was made together with Australia, Norway, Canada, and New Zealand, all of whom have taken a united stand.

Why Were They Sanctioned?

The UK's Foreign Secretary David Lammy explained that Finance Minister Smotrich and National Security Minister Ben-Gvir have encouraged violence and supported serious abuses of Palestinian rights. These acts, he said, cannot be accepted.

The Foreign Office added that these ministers continue to use harmful language and support extremist actions, despite being warned by the UK government before. The UK believes that such actions are making the situation worse in the West Bank and also hurting the chances of peace in the region.

Israel’s Reaction

The Israeli government strongly disagreed with the UK’s decision. A spokesperson said it was outrageous that elected leaders were being treated this way. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that their cabinet will meet next week to decide how to respond.

Minister Smotrich criticized the UK during a speech at a new settlement in the West Bank. He said Britain once tried to stop Jews from settling in their homeland in the 1930s and 1940s, and that now they are trying again. He promised to keep building settlements.

International Responses

The United States did not support the sanctions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move would not help bring peace, release hostages, or stop the war. He asked the five countries to take back the sanctions. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also called the UK’s decision "shocking."

Background and History

• The two Israeli ministers lead ultra-nationalist political parties, which are key members of Israel’s government.

• Since the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has built about 160 settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with over 700,000 Jewish residents.

• Most of the world, including the International Court of Justice, believes these settlements are illegal under international law—but Israel does not agree.

Growing Violence in the West Bank

Hamish Falconer, a minister in the UK Foreign Office, said that 2024 has seen the worst settler violence in 20 years. Many Palestinian towns and villages have been attacked. People have been killed and forced to leave their homes.

The UK government said it had warned Smotrich and Ben-Gvir many times, but they continued to use dangerous language. So the UK decided that stronger action was needed.

Other UK Actions Against Israel

This is not the first step the UK has taken.

• On 19 May, the UK, France, and Canada warned Israel that it may be breaking international law with its actions in Gaza.

• On 20 May, the UK stopped free trade talks with Israel and sanctioned violent settlers.

• On 10 June, the UK officially sanctioned the two ministers.

Gaza War and Ongoing Conflict

The latest fighting began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, Israel has started a military campaign in Gaza. According to Gaza's health ministry, over 54,927 people have died in the territory.

The UK and its allies say that violence by Israeli settlers, backed by far-right ministers, must stop. They also say that Israel must follow international humanitarian law and support steps toward a two-state solution—meaning peace for both Israel and Palestine.

Calls for Peace and Action

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the UK is working to:

• Stop the war in Gaza quickly.

• Free all hostages.

• Increase aid to people in need.

• Support the goal of a peaceful future for both Palestinians and Israelis.

Opposition parties in the UK had mixed reactions:

• Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey welcomed the sanctions but said the UK should have acted earlier.

• Dame Priti Patel, from the Conservative Party, did not talk about the sanctions directly but said the UK must continue to use its influence to help bring peace and support those suffering.