The governments of the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Norway officially announced Monday that they will impose sanctions on Israeli Ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, accusing them of incitement to violence against Palestinian Arabs in Judea and Samaria.
The UK Foreign Office stated that the decision was made as part of a wider move to address what it described as "extremist settler violence" and the undermining of a future Palestinian state.
According to the British government, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are being sanctioned in their personal capacities, with both now subject to asset freezes, travel bans, and disqualification from serving as company directors in the UK. Ben-Gvir currently serves as Israel's Minister for National Security, and Smotrich is Minister of Finance and a minister in the Defense Ministry.
The sanctions were imposed under the UK Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020. The UK claims that both ministers are responsible for inciting or supporting acts of aggression and violence against Palestinian Arabs in Judea and Samaria.
The Foreign Office said it has conveyed to the Netanyahu government, both publicly and privately, that Israel must halt construction in what it refers to as "illegal settlements," take action against settler violence, and denounce what it called "extremist and inflammatory rhetoric."
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, alongside his counterparts from the four partner nations, issued a joint statement asserting that they remain committed to a two-state solution. They cited over 1,900 reported alleged attacks by Israeli residents against Palestinian Arabs since January 2024, and emphasized the need for accountability.
The joint statement also reiterated support for Israel's security, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas, which they said should have no role in governing Gaza. The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the "strong friendship with the people of Israel" and a commitment to work with the Israeli government for long-term peace.
The measures, the UK said, aim to address rising violence in Judea and Samaria and are part of broader efforts to uphold international humanitarian law in the region.
Minister Ben-Gvir commented on the sanctions: "Boo to the white paper (referring to the British orders prohibiting Jewish immigration to the Land of Israel during the British Mandate), we survived Pharaoh, we will survive Keir Starmer as well. I will continue to work for the State of Israel and the people of Israel without fear!"
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responded during the inauguration of the new community “Mitzpe Ziv” in the Hebron Hills: "While sitting here, I heard that Britain has decided to impose sanctions on me because I am thwarting the establishment of a Palestinian state. There could not be better timing than this. The natural response will also be practical, but the verbal response is disdain for the White Paper."
He added: "Britain already tried once to prevent us from settling the cradle of our homeland, and we will not allow it to do so again. With God's help, we are determined to continue building."
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar commented during a joint press conference with Zambian Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe: "We were informed about the UK decision to include two of our Ministers on the British Sanctions list. It is outrageous that elected representatives and members of the government are subjected to these kinds of measures."
Sa'ar noted: "I discussed it earlier today with PM Netanyahu and we will hold a special government meeting early next week to decide on our response to this unacceptable decision."