International Sanctions Imposed on Israeli Ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir Over Incitement of Violence
June 11, 2025 — The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway have jointly imposed sanctions on Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, citing their roles in inciting violence against Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The coordinated measures, announced Tuesday, include asset freezes and travel bans targeting both ministers. According to a joint statement from the five nations’ foreign ministers, Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have repeatedly used inflammatory rhetoric and advocated policies leading to increased settler violence, forced displacement of Palestinians, and the expansion of unlawful Israeli settlements. The statement condemned their actions as “appalling and dangerous,” directly linking them to grave violations of Palestinian human rights and the undermining of prospects for a two-state solution.
The sanctions represent a significant rebuke from countries traditionally supportive of Israel. The foreign ministers emphasized their ongoing commitment to Israel’s security but stressed that the measures are aimed specifically at individuals whose actions threaten regional stability and Israel’s international standing. “We are steadfastly committed to the two-state solution… but it is imperilled by extremist settler violence and settlement expansion,” the statement read.
Both ministers are prominent members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government and are known for their hardline stances. Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have publicly advocated for the annexation of Palestinian territories and the forced displacement of Palestinian communities, positions that have drawn international condemnation.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denounced the sanctions as “outrageous” and announced that the government would convene a special session to discuss a response. Smotrich, speaking at a settlement inauguration, dismissed the measures, vowing to continue settlement expansion regardless of international pressure.
The United States, while not participating in the sanctions, criticized the move as “extremely unhelpful,” arguing that it would not advance efforts toward a ceasefire in Gaza and urging allies to focus on addressing the actions of Hamas instead.
The sanctions come amid a surge in settler violence in the West Bank and ongoing conflict in Gaza, with Western governments expressing alarm over the humanitarian situation and the lack of accountability for violent actors. The joint action signals mounting frustration with Israel’s handling of extremist elements within its government and a demand for meaningful steps to curb violence and uphold international law.