PULSE POINTS:
❓What Happened: The British government imposed sanctions on two Israeli government ministers, citing their comments on Gaza.
👥 Who’s Involved: Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich; British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
📍 Where & When: Sanctions announced in the United Kingdom amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict.
💬 Key Quote: Foreign Secretary Lammy stated, “These actions are not acceptable. This is why we have taken action now—to hold those responsible to account.”
⚠️ Impact: Travel bans and asset freezes for the ministers; Israel criticized the British decision as “outrageous,” and the Trump administration in the U.S. was also critical.
IN FULL:
Britain’s far-left government has announced sanctions against two Israeli government ministers, citing their remarks related to the Gaza conflict. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir will face travel restrictions barring entry into the United Kingdom, alongside asset freezes.
The measures, revealed by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, were justified on the grounds that the two officials had allegedly “incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights.”
“These actions are not acceptable. This is why we have taken action now—to hold those responsible to account,” Lammy said.
The two ministers each lead right-wing parties vital for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to remain in power. They have called for Palestinians to be resettled outside of Gaza, and are accused of “inciting” violence in the West Bank.
In response, Israeli officials condemned the sanctions. A statement from Israel described the move as “outrageous,” arguing that elected representatives and government members should not be subjected to such measures.
In the U.S., Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also critical, saying, “These sanctions do not advance U.S.-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home, and end the war.”
The sanctions come as the United Kingdom and other Western nations increase pressure on Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Lammy reiterated the British government’s broader goals, including achieving a ceasefire, securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, and advancing humanitarian aid. He also reaffirmed the British government’s commitment to pursuing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The move comes after Labour Party Members of Parliament (MPs) were kicked out of Israel in April. Two politicians, known for their anti-Israel views, were denied entry into the Jewish state, leading to a condemnation of Israel’s actions by Foreign Secretary Lammy.
Image by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street.