Australia bans two Israeli ministers over 'incitement'
Australia has issued travel bans and financial sanctions against two Israeli ministers, accusing them of inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the sanctions in a joint statement with the governments of Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom.
"(National Security Minister) Itamar Ben-Gvir and (Finance Minister) Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights," Senator Wong said in a statement.
"Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous. These actions are not acceptable."
Mr Ben-Gvir, from the Jewish Power party, and Mr Smotrich, of the Religious Zionism Party, are members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government.
Senator Wong said Australia "will continue to work with the Israeli government and a range of partners" to help establish peace in the region.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the sanctions "outrageous" and said the government would hold a meeting early next week to decide how to respond to the "unacceptable decision".
The sanctions relate to the West Bank but the announcement on Wednesday morning also said "this cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza".
"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," the joint statement said.
"Today's measures are targeted towards individuals who in our view undermine Israel's own security and its standing in the world."
with Reuters
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