Archive · 11 Jun 2025
UK, Allies Sanction Two Israeli Ministers Over Incitement
The UK, along with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway, have punished two Israeli ministers for allegedly encouraging violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
These ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, now face travel bans and have their assets frozen in the UK.
The U.S. doesn't agree with these punishments.
The Israeli government is upset and plans to discuss its response.
One of the ministers said the sanctions do not scare him, while the other showed contempt.
These actions are related to the larger issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway sanctioned two Israeli ministers.
The ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, were sanctioned for inciting violence against Palestinians.
Sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes within the UK.
The sanctions are a break from the U.S. position; the U.S. condemned the move.
Israel has called the move "outrageous" and will hold a Cabinet meet.
- Who
- Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich
- What
- The UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway sanctioned two Israeli ministers.
- When
- Tuesday, June 10th
- Where
- West Bank
- Why
- For inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Western Allies Position
Israeli and U.S. Position
Effect of Sanctions
Western Allies Position
Sanctions are necessary to stop incitement of violence and protect the two-state solution.
Israeli and U.S. Position
Sanctions do not advance efforts to achieve a ceasefire.
Acceptance of Sanctions
Western Allies Position
Sanctions are a justified response to extremist rhetoric and violence.
Israeli and U.S. Position
Sanctions are an unacceptable measure against elected officials.
- Sanctioned Ministers
- Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich
- Sanctioning Countries
- UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway
- Reason for Sanctions
- Inciting violence against Palestinians in West Bank
- Potential Penalties
- Asset freezes and travel bans (UK)
- U.S. Stance
- Condemns sanctions
- Israeli Stance
- Outraged and will hold special meeting
Sources
UK will sanction Israel ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, Times reports
UK will sanction Israeli ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, Times reports
Israel says UK sanctioning 2 Cabinet ministers
Britain sanctions Israeli far-right ministers over Gaza comments
UK, allies decide to sanction Israeli ministers; ‘unacceptable’, says Tel Aviv
Israel Says UK Is Sanctioning 2 Cabinet Ministers
UK, Others Sanction 2 Israeli Ministers For 'Inciting Violence Against Palestinians'
UK sanctions Ben-Gvir and Smotrich over their Gaza comments. Who are they?
Britain and allies sanction Israeli far-right ministers for ‘inciting violence’
5 western nations sanction Israeli ministers
Britain and allies impose sanctions on Israeli far-right ministers for ‘inciting violence’
UK, Canada and western allies sanction far-right Israeli ministers for ‘inciting extremist violence’
US Secretary of State Rubio opposes sanctions imposed by Britain, allies on Israeli ministers
UK, Allies Sanctions Israeli Ministers For 'Inciting Violence' Against Palestinians
US and Israel condemnation of sanctions on ministers is ‘predictable’, Australia says