The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway have jointly sanctioned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, imposing travel bans due to their alleged incitement of extremist violence and human rights abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank, linked also to the Gaza conflict. Israel has condemned these actions as 'outrageous' and plans a government meeting to decide on a response.
Israel objects to foreign nations sanctioning its officials
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AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway have jointly sanctioned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, imposing travel bans due to their alleged incitement of extremist violence and human rights abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank, linked also to the Gaza conflict. Israel has condemned these actions as 'outrageous' and plans a government meeting to decide on a response.
Trending- 1 May 2025: Canada, UK, France issued a statement opposing Israel's military operations in Gaza and criticizing humanitarian aid restrictions.
- 2 May 2025: Australia and New Zealand called for a ceasefire in Gaza and defended UNRWA in ANZMIN statement.
- 3 Recently: UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway issued a joint statement sanctioning Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
- 4 Tuesday (June 10th, 2025): Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar slammed the move.
- 5 Early next week: Israeli government to hold a special meeting to decide on a response.
- Sanctions and travel bans imposed on Israeli ministers
- Israeli government plans a special meeting to decide on a response
- Increased diplomatic tension between Israel and the sanctioning countries
- Potential hardening of Hamas' stance in hostage negotiations
What: Five countries (UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway) have sanctioned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, imposing travel bans and other measures. Israel, through its Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has strongly objected to these sanctions, calling them 'outrageous' and plans a government meeting to decide on a response.
When: Sanctions announced recently (joint statement); Israeli response on Tuesday (June 10th, 2025); previous related statements from May 2025.
Where: United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway (countries imposing sanctions); Israel (country of sanctioned officials); West Bank, Gaza (regions cited as reasons for sanctions); London (mentioned as a travel destination).
Why: The five countries sanctioned the ministers due to their alleged incitement of extremist violence, serious abuses of Palestinian human rights, extremist rhetoric advocating forced displacement of Palestinians, and creation of new Israeli settlements, linking these actions to issues in the West Bank and the 'catastrophe in Gaza.'
How: The countries issued a joint statement announcing the sanctions and travel bans. Israel responded via social media (X) and public statements, planning a special government meeting.