Western Allies Impose Sanctions on Israeli Ministers Over West Bank Violence
The foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on Tuesday announcing coordinated sanctions and other measures targeting Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for inciting violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
The five countries said the measures are a response to what they described as 'extremist rhetoric' and human rights abuses that have fueled settler violence, resulting in Palestinian deaths and the displacement of entire communities. Ben-Gvir and Smotrich Accusation
'Settler violence is incited by extremist rhetoric which calls for Palestinians to be driven from their homes, encourages violence and human rights abuses, and fundamentally rejects the two-state solution,' the ministers said.
'We are steadfastly committed to the two-state solution, which is the only way to guarantee security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long-term regional stability.'
The statement directly accused Ben-Gvir and Smotrich—both far-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet—of inciting such violence and promoting policies that undermine prospects for peace.
'Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous,' the ministers said. 'These actions are not acceptable.'
Despite extensive diplomatic engagement with Israel, the governments said violent actors continue to operate with 'encouragement and impunity,' prompting the decision to act now.
The foreign ministers stressed that the measures do not reflect a shift in their support for Israel's security. They reiterated condemnation of Hamas's attacks on Oct. 7 and emphasized their continued desire for strong ties with the Israeli people. The Joint Statement
'Today's measures are targeted towards individuals who, in our view, undermine Israel's own security and its standing in the world,' the statement said.
The ministers also linked their concerns about West Bank violence to the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 'We continue to be appalled by the immense suffering of civilians, including the denial of essential aid,' they said, calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access.
'There must be no unlawful transfer of Palestinians from Gaza or within the West Bank, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip,' the statement added.
'We want to see a reconstructed Gaza no longer run by Hamas and a political pathway to a two-state solution.'
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