Extract from ABC News
Itamar Ben-Gvir (left) and Bezalel Smotrich (right) are both expected to be sanctioned by the UK, Australia and other Western nations. (Reuters: Abir Sultan)
In short:
Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Norway and the United Kingdom have announced sanctions against two far-right Israeli government ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
The pair will face a travel ban and have any assets frozen under the sanctions.
Mr Ben-Gvir and Mr Smotrich both condemned the decision in statements released.
Australia has issued sanctions against two of the most controversial members of Israel’s government, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, accusing the men of inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
In a joint action by the Australian, British, Canadian, New Zealand and Norwegian governments, the pair will face travel bans and have their assets frozen.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the men had “incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights".
“Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous,” she said in a joint statement with her foreign colleagues.
“These actions are not acceptable.
“We have engaged the Israeli Government on this issue extensively, yet violent perpetrators continue to act with encouragement and impunity.”
Mr Ben-Gvir serves as National Security Minister in Israeli Prime Minister’s Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government, while Mr Smotrich is the finance minister.
Senator Wong said the sanctions were not evidence Australia was deviating from its support for Israel’s security, in the wake of Hamas’ deadly attacks ion October 7 2023.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the sanctions will enact travel bans and freeze the assets of the two Israeli ministers. (ABC News: Pedro Ribeiro)
“Today’s measures are targeted towards individuals who in our view undermine Israel’s own security and its standing in the world,” she said.
“We continue to want a strong friendship with the people of Israel based on our shared ties, values and commitment to their security and future.
The minister also noted the sanctions were focused on Mr Ben Gvir and Mr Smotrich’s conduct with regards to the West Bank, but argued the measures could not be seen “in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza.”
“We continue to be appalled by the immense suffering of civilians, including the denial of essential aid,” Senator Wong said.
“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.”
'Outrageous'
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said the Israeli government had been informed about a "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 this kind of measures," he said.
"I discussed it earlier today with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and we will hold a special government meeting early next week to decide on our response to this unacceptable decision."
They are two of the most outspoken far-right politicians calling for the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, which the International Court of Justice ruled were unlawful in 2024.
Late last month, the Israeli government announced plans to establish 22 new settlements in the West Bank, and legalise some which had already been built without government approval.
The pair have also agitated for continuing fighting in Gaza and the return of Jewish settlements in the strip.
Mr Smotrich has said he would allow "not even a grain of wheat" to enter Gaza, adding that the strip would be "entirely destroyed" during the war.
Mr Ben-Gvir has called for the Palestinian population to be pushed out of Gaza, saying "we must encourage emigration."
He has also repeatedly fuelled tensions in Jerusalem's Old City by insisting Jewish people can pray on the Temple Mount, something reserved solely for Muslim worship, and the replacement of the Al-Aqsa mosque with a synagogue.
The national security minister also has a number of criminal convictions against him, including incitement of racism and supporting a terrorist organisation.
A fortnight ago, the men joined nationalist Israelis marching through the Old City on Jerusalem Day, where some of the participants chanted slogans such as “death to Arabs” and “may your village burn.”
Ben-Gvir and Smotrich hit back
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sharpened his criticism of Israel in recent weeks. (Reuters: Oli Scarff)
The sanctions were first reported by British newspaper The Times, prompting early responses from Mr Ben-Gvir and Mr Smotrich directed at the UK government.
"We passed Pharaoh, we will also pass Starmer's wall," Mr Ben-Gvir said.
"I will continue to work for the State of Israel and the people of Israel without fear or intimidation."
Mr Smotrich said he viewed the decision with contempt.
"Britain has already tried once to prevent us from settling the cradle of our homeland, and we cannot do it again," he said.
"We are determined God willing to continue building."
The UK has sharpened its criticism of Israel in recent weeks, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer foreshadowed sanctions against Israel in a joint statement with Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Israel's humanitarian blockade of Gaza has been roundly criticised by leaders, with French President Emmanuel Macron labelling it as "shameful."
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