Britain Sanctions Israeli Right Winged Minister, Foreign Minister Lemmy: Triggering Violence Against Palestinian People

Announcement of sanctions against Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. (Twitter/@FCDOGovoK)

JAKARTA - Britain together with Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway imposed sanctions on two Israeli far-right ministers in a joint statement Tuesday.

The two ministers are Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Both are considered to have sparked violence against the Palestinian people.

"Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have sparked extremist violence and serious abuses against Palestinian human rights," he tweeted, as quoted Wednesday, June 11.

"This action is unacceptable," he said.

"That's why we are taking action now to hold those responsible accountable," added Foreign Minister Lemmy.

The five countries carried out asset freezes and imposed travel bans on the two Israeli ministers, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

Tuesday's joint statement said their actions focused on restrictions on violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank and were solely aimed at individuals who "damped Israel's own security".

However, the statement added the action could not be seen separately from the incident in Gaza.

"We continue to be surprised by the great suffering of civilians, including the rejection of essential aid," the statement said.

Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the UK have today taken concrete measures against Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, in response to the incitement of serious violence in the West Bank. pic.twitter.com/WgSNbbFr0X

— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) June 10, 2025

Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the UK have today taken concrete measures against Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, in response to the incident of serious violence in the West Bank. pic.twitter.com/WgSNbbFr0X

"There should be no illegal transfer of Palestinians from Gaza or in the West Bank, or any reduction of the Gaza Strip region," he added.

Foreign ministers say they still want "strong friendship with the Israeli people based on shared ties, values, and commitments to security and the future (of)".

"We will strive to reach an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of the remaining hostages by Hamas, who cannot have a future role in the Gaza government, a surge in aid and a path to a two-state solution," the statement said.

As the five countries announced their actions against Israeli ministers, the United States imposed sanctions on leading Palestinian human rights organizations as well as five charity groups in the Middle East and Europe, accusing them of supporting Palestinian militants including Hamas.

Last month, British, French, and Canadian leaders pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Administration to end a blockade of aid to Gaza, where international experts say hunger is imminent, promising "concrete measures" if the new military attacks are not stopped.

Previously, London also suspended free trade negotiations with Israel for carrying out "terrible policies" in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, and announced further sanctions against Western Bank settlers.

It is known that the latest conflict in the Gaza Strip broke out on October 7, 2023 when a Palestinian militant group led by Hamas attacked Israel's southern region, killing 1,200 people and another 251 being held hostage according to Israeli calculations, quoted from.

As of yesterday, medical sources in Gaza noted that Palestinian deaths in the enclave since October 2023 have reached 54,880 people, the majority of children and women, while the injured reached 126,227 people, quoted from WAFA.