Five jurisdictions penalize two Israeli cabinet members
Gettin' Tough with the Troublemakers: International Sanctions on Israeli Ministers
In a bold move, the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway have slapped sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. These harsh actions come due to their radical statements inciting violence and severe violations of Palestinian human rights in the West Bank. The foreign ministers of these five nations stated that the ministers have called for extreme violence and grave infringements on Palestinian rights.
The UK's sanctions pack a punch, including a travel ban and asset freezing. Norway follows suit with an entry ban. Israel's government responds with indignation to these measures.
The foreign ministers of the five nations sound the alarms on extremist rhetoric promoting the forced displacement of Palestinians and the establishment of new Israeli settlements, labeling it as "alarming and dangerous." While the situation in the West Bank is the main focus, these sanctions don't exist in a vacuum―they alsoaddress the "catastrophe" in the Gaza Strip.
Ministers, Settler Violence Accused
Israel recently declared plans to create 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, home to over 700,000 settlers among approximately three million Palestinians. These settlements are a no-no under international law. Ben-Gvir and Smotrich actively back Jewish settlement expansion and shield the violence of militant settlers against the Palestinian community. The foreign ministers of the five states claim that this violence is fueled by extremist rhetoric and resulted in the deaths of Palestinian civilians and the displacement of entire communities.
Smotrich recently issued a chilling threat of "total destruction" for Gaza, while Ben-Gvir opposes the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza following Israel's blockade. The five states reiterate that the two-state solution is the only way to ensure the security and long-term stability of the region.
Israel's Response in the Works
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar finds it "offensive" that elected representatives and government members end up under such restrictive measures. A special session of the government is scheduled for the following week to strategize a response to this "unacceptable" decision.
Smotrich and Ben-Gvir are part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government, but not his party. Both men are reps of far-right parties within the ruling coalition.
Sources:- [1] BBC News- [2] The Guardian
- The foreign ministers of the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway have accused Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir of inciting violence and violating Palestinian human rights, prompting sanctions including travel bans and asset freezes.
- The sanctions also address the alleged catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, with foreign ministers warning against extremist rhetoric promoting forced displacement of Palestinians and the establishment of new Israeli settlements.
- The two-state solution, aimed at ensuring the security and long-term stability of the region, is reiterated as the only way forward, given the ongoing tension and conflict between Israel and Palestine.
