The U.K. and Canada are set to impose sanctions on two Israeli ministers due to their far-right policies, marking a shift in the West's approach towards Israel's actions in Gaza.
U.K. and Canada Launch Sanctions Against Israeli Far-Right Officials
U.K. and Canada Launch Sanctions Against Israeli Far-Right Officials
Western allies' actions reflect increasing criticism of Israeli strategies amid Gaza crisis.
The United Kingdom and Canada are poised to impose sanctions targeting two Israeli cabinet ministers known for their far-right ideologies, further signaling a growing shift in the Western response to Israel's military actions in Gaza. This coordinated initiative is anticipated to receive backing from additional countries, illustrating a united front among some Western nations against Israel’s recent military conduct.
According to sources familiar with the impending announcements, the sanctions, which are scheduled for release on Tuesday, will restrict travel and freeze assets belonging to Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in both Canada and the U.K. The decision has prompted a swift backlash from Israeli officials, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar describing the sanctions as "outrageous" and asserting that elected officials should not be subjected to such punitive measures. Sa’ar indicated he would meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss a response to what he termed “this unacceptable decision.”
The initiative to sanction Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, leaders of strongly nationalist agendas, comes in the wake of statements made by Canada, Britain, and France that emphasized growing concerns over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. Those countries threatened further actions if Israel did not cease its military operations and lift restrictions on humanitarian assistance.
During a parliamentary session in late May, U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned Israel's military approach, particularly criticizing Smotrich's inflammatory remarks about displacing Gaza’s residents. "We must call this what it is,” he declared. “It is extremism. It is dangerous. It is repellent. It is monstrous.” This strong rhetoric indicates a potential shift in the traditionally diplomatic tone adopted by Western nations toward Israel, raising questions about the future of international relations in the region.
