Canada joins UK, Australia, and others in sanctioning two Israeli ministers for inciting violence against Palestinians, citing threats to peace and human rights.
Ministers Targeted Over Incitement and Extremist Actions
In a rare joint move, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Norway, and New Zealand imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers on Tuesday, citing their repeated incitement of violence against Palestinians and obstruction of peace efforts in the region. The sanctions target National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, both key figures in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition.
What the Sanctions Include
The measures include an asset freeze and a travel ban for both ministers. According to Canada’s Foreign Affairs Office, the sanctions aim to hold leaders accountable for their inflammatory rhetoric and alleged encouragement of settler violence and displacement in the occupied West Bank. Similar announcements were made by partner governments in the UK and Australia.
Why the Action Was Taken Now
The coordinated sanctions reflect mounting international frustration with Israel’s far-right leadership amid escalating violence in the West Bank and the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. A joint statement issued by the five countries emphasized the ministers’ role in undermining prospects for a two-state solution and promoting “dangerous rhetoric” that threatens long-term regional stability.
How This Impacts Israel’s Government
Ben Gvir and Smotrich, both residents of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, are influential voices in shaping Israel’s domestic and security policies. Their sanctioning marks a significant escalation in diplomatic pressure from Canada and its allies, diverging sharply from the United States’ stance. Washington condemned the move, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling the sanctions “unhelpful” and reaffirming support for Israel’s right to self-defense.
Reactions from Israeli Leaders
Both ministers responded defiantly. Speaking at the inauguration of a new West Bank settlement, Smotrich accused the UK of trying to “prevent Jewish settlement in the cradle of our homeland,” referencing colonial-era policies. Ben Gvir dismissed the sanctions as political posturing, stating, “These sanctions don’t scare me. I will continue working to defend our people.”
Broader Diplomatic Implications
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced a special cabinet meeting next week to discuss possible retaliatory measures. Despite the backlash, Canadian officials reiterated that the sanctions do not signal a withdrawal of support for Israel’s security but rather a targeted rebuke of individuals seen as exacerbating regional tensions.
Humanitarian and Legal Context
The Western allies’ statement connected the ministers’ rhetoric to ongoing violence and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “We remain appalled by civilian suffering and the denial of essential aid,” it read. The sanctions also reflect growing pressure from human rights organizations and legal experts urging democratic nations to address settler expansion and systemic abuses in Palestinian territories.
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