Egypt Daily News – On Tuesday, Britain and four other countries imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, due to their repeated incitement to violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway joined Britain in imposing sanctions that include asset freezes and travel bans on the two ministers. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said in a joint statement with his counterparts from the four countries, “Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich incited extremist violence and serious human rights violations against Palestinians. These actions are unacceptable. That is why we have taken action now, holding those responsible accountable.”
Two informed sources said the sanctions include specific financial restrictions and travel bans.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called the move “disgraceful” and said the government would hold a special meeting next week to determine how to respond to this “unacceptable decision.”
During the opening of a new settlement in Mount Hebron, Smotrich expressed his “displeasure” with the move taken by Britain.
He said, “Britain once tried to prevent us from settling in the cradle of our homeland, and we will not repeat that. We are determined to continue building.”
With the announcement of the measures by the five countries against the two Israeli ministers, the United States said it would impose sanctions on individuals and fake charities providing financial support to the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and another Palestinian group.
