Overview
- The UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway have imposed travel bans and asset freezes on Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for repeated incitement of violence against Palestinian communities.
- Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich are key figures in Benjamin Netanyahu’s fragile coalition who have championed West Bank settlement expansion and the displacement of Palestinians.
- The joint statement says the measures aim to pressure Israel to curb settler violence in the West Bank and advance a ceasefire in Gaza while preserving a path to a two-state solution.
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the sanctions as “outrageous” and has called a special cabinet meeting next week to craft Israel’s response.
- The United States criticized the sanctions as extremely unhelpful for ceasefire efforts, underscoring a growing split among Israel’s closest allies.