UK sanctions Israeli ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich over Gaza comments, ITV News understands
Israeli government ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have been sanctioned by the UK government over comments they made on Gaza, ITV News understands.
The sanction means their assets will be frozen, and the men will be banned from entering the UK. It follows the lead of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other countries that have already imposed sanctions on the far-right ministers.
The move was sparked by a series of comments made by the two men about Gaza - Finance Minister Smotrich recently said he would allow "not even a grain of wheat" into Gaza, that "Gaza will be entirely destroyed", and Palestinian people "will leave in great numbers to third countries."
Security Minister Ben-Gvir has also said Israel should "encourage the voluntary emigration of the residents of Gaza", and that 'there is no need to bring in aid". The government has been drawing up the plans to sanction the two men for months.
Ben-Gvir also called for the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem to be replaced with a synagogue.
Israel's government responded to the sanctions saying they were "outrageous".
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar's said: "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 kind of measures.
"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."
In a sign of mounting pressure on Israel over its actions in Gaza, last month the UK suspended trade talks with Israel and sanctioned West Bank settlers.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy described Israel's actions as 'monstrous' and condemned the actions of 'extremist' settlers in the West Bank, saying Netanyahu's administration has a responsibility to intervene to halt their actions.
Lammy said: 'We have suspended negotiations with this Israeli government on a new free trade agreement.'
Adding that the UK is reviewing its co-operation with the Israeli administration, he said: 'The Netanyahu government's actions have made this necessary.'
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