UK, allies decide to sanction Israeli ministers; ‘unacceptable', says Tel Aviv
Britain and several of its allies are planning to place sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, over their role in the ongoing war in Gaza, news agency Reuters reported on Tuesday.
The sanctions are expected to include travel bans and asset freezes. According to the report, countries including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will join the UK in the move. Ben-Gvir, Israel's national security minister, and Smotrich, the finance minister, are both known for their hardline positions and close links to West Bank settlements.
The British foreign office has not yet responded to requests for comment. Reacting to the report, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the decision was 'outrageous.'
'This is an unacceptable decision,' Saar told reporters in Jerusalem, according to Reuters. He added that Israel's government would meet early next week to discuss a formal response.
In recent weeks, Britain has stepped up pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Last month, London suspended free trade talks with Israel and summoned its ambassador. It also announced sanctions against some West Bank settlers, criticising what it called 'egregious policies.'
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has spoken critically about the conflict. Referring to Israel's recent military action in Gaza, Lammy said it marked 'a dark new phase in this conflict.' He has also condemned past remarks made by Smotrich about relocating Gaza's population to other countries.
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