UK Sanctions Israeli Ministers, Faces Staff Protest

The UK and several Western allies have imposed sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, citing their inflammatory actions regarding Gaza as incitement to violence and human rights abuses. Israel's foreign affairs minister, Gideon Sa'ar, has condemned the move and promised a government response. Meanwhile, more than 300 UK Foreign Office staff protested the government's continued arms sales to Israel and possible complicity in violations of international humanitarian law. Top UK officials told dissenting staff that resignation would be the 'honourable course' if they strongly disagreed, sparking internal outrage. The UK government has suspended some arms export licenses to Israel, halted free trade talks, but continues supplying components for F-35 jets. These actions reflect growing tensions internationally and within the UK government over policy toward Israel and the Gaza conflict.