The United Kingdom, Canada, and several of their Western allies have placed sanctions on two Israeli government ministers. The countries stated that the two men have repeatedly encouraged violence against Palestinians.

The sanctions targeted Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Both ministers are known for leading far-right political parties supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fragile governing coalition.

According to the UK government, the ministers will face a travel ban and a freeze on any assets in the sanctioning countries.

“These two ministers have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights,” the governments said in a joint statement released by Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK.

“Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous,” the statement read.

“We have engaged the Israeli Government on this issue extensively, yet violent perpetrators continue to act with encouragement and impunity.”

The joint action is a crackdown on Israel’s traditional allies. These countries allege that the current Israeli leadership’s support for settlers in the occupied West Bank and its handling of Gaza is making the conflict worse.

“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 stability in the region,” the foreign ministers stated.

Ben Gvir and Smotrich have previously said that many in the international community view as provocative and harmful.

US PUSHES BACK AGAINST SANCTIONS

However, not all Western leaders agree with the move. In a strong response, US Secretary Marco Rubio criticised the sanctions and defended the two ministers.

“The United States condemns the sanctions imposed by the governments of United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, New Zealand, and Australia on two sitting members of the Israeli cabinet,” Rubio posted on social media platform X.

“These sanctions do not advance US-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home, and end the war.”

Rubio added that the United States sees a clear distinction between Israel and Hamas, labelling the militant group as the real threat.

“We reject any notion of equivalence: Hamas is a terrorist organisation that committed unspeakable atrocities, continues to hold innocent civilians hostage, and prevents the people of Gaza from living in peace,” he said.

“We remind our partners not to forget who the real enemy is. The United States urges the reversal of the sanctions and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel.”

SHIFT IN WESTERN POLICY?

The move by the five countries comes amid a shift in their international policy. While Washington has continued to support for Israel, even vetoing in United Nations resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, other countries have started to draw clearer lines.

“Of course this cannot 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,” the statement read.