Australia imposes sanctions on hardline Israeli ministers
The foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom have announced sanctions and other measures targeting Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
It is a major foreign policy move by the Albanese government that puts Australia at odds with the United States.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Australia sanctions Israeli ministers.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Itamar Ben-Gvir (Israel 's security minister) and Bezalel Smotrich (Israel's finance minister) have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights.
The pair have also agitated for continuing fighting in Gaza and the return of Jewish settlement in the strip.
'Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous,' Wong said in a statement.
'These actions are not acceptable. We have engaged the Israeli government on this issue extensively, yet violent perpetrators continue to act with encouragement and impunity.
'This is why we have taken this action now – to hold those responsible to account. The Israeli Government must uphold its obligations under international law and we call on it to take meaningful action to end extremist, violent and expansionist rhetoric.
'The measures announced today do not deviate from our unwavering support for Israel's security and we continue to condemn the horrific terror attacks of 7 October by Hamas.
'Today's measures are targeted towards individuals who in our view undermine Israel's own security and its standing in the world.
'We continue to want a strong friendship with the people of Israel based on our shared ties, values and commitment to their security and future.'
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar say his nation is threatening to retaliate against the sanctions.
'It is outrageous that elected representatives and members of the government are subjected to this kind of measures,' he said.
'I discussed it earlier today with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and we will hold a special government meeting early next week to decide on our response to this unacceptable decision.'
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