UK, Allies Sanction Israeli Ministers Over Gaza Policy

The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway have imposed sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, citing their far-right positions and inflammatory remarks regarding the Gaza war. The sanctions target the ministers' opposition to humanitarian aid for Gaza and their calls for the expulsion of Gaza's population. This coordinated move, which the U.S. has declined to join, aims to pressure Israel over its conduct in Gaza and signals a rift among Western allies. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the sanctions as 'outrageous' and stated that a response would be discussed with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Internal debate has arisen in the UK, with civil servants expressing concerns about British arms sales to Israel and the country's adherence to international law. Ben-Gvir and Smotrich dismissed the sanctions, likening them to historic British opposition to Jewish statehood and vowing to maintain their current policies.