Five Western Nations Sanction Two Israeli Ministers

The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway have imposed sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for inciting extremist violence and serious human rights abuses in the West Bank. The coordinated action, led by these five nations, reflects growing international condemnation of Israel's conduct. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong and the UK's David Lammy called the two ministers the 'most extreme proponents' of unlawful settlement activities. The United States, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, criticized the sanctions, arguing they undermine Gaza ceasefire efforts and urged their reversal. Israel condemned the sanctions as 'outrageous' and indicated plans to respond. The measures come amid escalating West Bank violence and increased diplomatic tensions among Western allies over the conflict.