Canada and her allies Sanction Two Israeli Ministers for Calling for Violence

Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Norway have announced sanctions against two far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir (security) and Bezalel Smotrich (finance). The sanctions were for their calls for violence against Palestinians and their support for Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The ministers face asset freezes and travel bans. The countries accused them of inciting extremism, violence and human rights abuses, including supporting the “voluntary” expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand stressed that the measures are not aimed at Israel, but at those who incite violence.

The Israeli government has condemned the sanctions. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called them "outrageous" and warned that they could affect the Gaza talks.

Despite international criticism, Smotrich said he would continue to build settlements. Ben-Gvir called the sanctions "Starmer's wall" (British Prime Minister) and promised to overcome it.

Most countries in the world consider settlements in the West Bank illegal and the main obstacle to peace. This is the first time that ministers have been sanctioned, which, according to human rights activists, destroys the "wall of impunity" of Israeli politicians.