Canada and four Western allies impose sanctions on Israeli ministers Ben Gvir and Smotrich for inciting violence and promoting extremist rhetoric.
Western Nations Enforce Sanctions on Israeli Officials
On Monday, Canada joined the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway in imposing sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. The ministers, who serve in key positions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, are accused of inciting violence against Palestinians and promoting extremist agendas.
The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans in the five countries. The coordinated action represents an unprecedented move against sitting members of the Israeli government by some of its closest allies.
Allegations of Inciting Violence and Abusing Rights
In a joint statement, the five nations stated that the two Israeli officials had “incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights.” The statement specifically condemned their calls for forced Palestinian displacement and support for expanded Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
“These actions are not only inflammatory but deeply undermine the prospects for peace and stability in the region,” the countries said. “We have engaged the Israeli government extensively on this issue, yet violent perpetrators continue to act with encouragement and impunity.”
Broader Criticism of Israeli Leadership
Both ministers lead ultra-nationalist factions in Netanyahu’s government—Ben Gvir heads the Jewish Power party, and Smotrich leads the Religious Zionism party. Their rhetoric and policies have drawn international condemnation for fueling tensions in both the West Bank and Gaza.
The joint sanctions reflect growing international unease with Israel’s military operations and settlement policies, particularly in light of ongoing conflict in Gaza and escalating violence in Palestinian territories.
United States Opposes Allied Sanctions
The United States has publicly opposed the sanctions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sharply criticized the decision, calling it counterproductive to peace efforts.
“These sanctions do not advance U.S.-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home, and end the war,” Rubio said on X. He reiterated that the U.S. sees no equivalence between the Israeli state and Hamas, which it continues to label as a terrorist organization.
Rubio urged allies to reverse the sanctions and reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel, calling for a focus on defeating Hamas and restoring regional stability.
Divisions Emerge in Western Strategy on Gaza
The coordinated move marks a growing rift among Western nations in their approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the U.S. continues to shield Israel diplomatically—vetoing UN ceasefire resolutions—other allies are increasingly critical of the humanitarian toll in Gaza and the expansion of Israeli settlements.
The sanctioning nations stated: “We remain committed to a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace and regional security. The current trajectory undermines that future.”
Future of Western-Israeli Relations Uncertain
The sanctions signal a potential shift in how Israel’s traditional allies may engage with the current Netanyahu administration. Analysts suggest that if the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, more diplomatic fallout could follow.
“This cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza,” the joint statement concluded. “The immense suffering of civilians and continued denial of essential aid demand accountability and action.”
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