Articles in this Cluster
11-06-2025
The UK, joined by Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway, sanctioned Israeli far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for repeatedly inciting violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The measures include UK travel bans and asset freezes. London cited escalating settler violence and the ministers’ rhetoric, including opposition to aid for Gaza and calls for Palestinian displacement. Israel condemned the move as outrageous; Smotrich dismissed it while inaugurating a new West Bank settlement. US figures Marco Rubio and Ambassador Mike Huckabee criticized the sanctions. The action reflects rising UK and allied pressure over Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the West Bank, amid record settler violence and ongoing war casualties.
Entities: United Kingdom, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich, occupied West Bank, settler violence • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
11-06-2025
Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and the U.K. jointly sanctioned Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, potentially including travel bans and asset freezes. The allies cited extremist rhetoric encouraging displacement, settlement expansion, and human rights abuses, saying it undermines both Palestinian rights and Israel’s security. The move, which they stressed does not weaken their support for Israel’s security or condemnations of Hamas, drew condemnation from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli officials. It comes amid ongoing Israeli operations and rising settler violence in the West Bank, and continued deadly incidents around U.S.-backed aid hubs in Gaza.
Entities: Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich, Australia, Canada, New Zealand • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
11-06-2025
The UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway imposed sanctions and travel bans on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, accusing them of inciting extremist violence and abusing Palestinian human rights, particularly through rhetoric about displacement and settlements. The measures are linked to West Bank issues and the broader Gaza conflict. Ben-Gvir denounced the move as appeasement of Hamas; Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called it outrageous and vowed a government response. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the sanctions, urging their reversal and affirming support for Israel. The sanctioning countries have recently warned Israel over its Gaza operations and humanitarian restrictions, with Australia and New Zealand also defending UNRWA.
Entities: Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
11-06-2025
The UK has sanctioned Israel’s far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, joining other countries in steps that deepen Israel’s international isolation over the Gaza war and West Bank policies. The move, which diverges from Washington’s stance, cites escalating settler violence and record settlement expansion deemed illegal under international law. Both ministers have espoused extremist positions toward Palestinians. The sanctions follow ICC arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and others, and growing accusations of genocidal conduct in Gaza. Israel condemned the sanctions as outrageous, while critics question why Netanyahu himself isn’t targeted; his reliance on Smotrich and Ben-Gvir keeps his fragile coalition in power at rising political cost.
Entities: United Kingdom, Israel, Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Benjamin Netanyahu • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
11-06-2025
The UK sanctioned Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for repeatedly inciting violence against Palestinians, imposing asset freezes, director disqualifications, and entry bans. Coordinated with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway, the move targets their personal conduct, which the UK says fuels settler violence and violates human rights in the West Bank. Foreign Secretary David Lammy framed it as supporting a two-state solution and opposing extremist rhetoric. Israel condemned the decision and plans a response; the US also urged reversal, arguing it undermines efforts toward a ceasefire and hostage release. The allied statement stressed continued support for Israel’s security while calling for action to curb extremist, expansionist policies. Former UK foreign secretary David Cameron said he had previously sought similar sanctions.
Entities: United Kingdom, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich, David Lammy, Israel • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
11-06-2025
The UK, alongside Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, has sanctioned Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir (national security) and Bezalel Smotrich (finance) for inciting violence and serious abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank. Both far-right leaders oppose Palestinian statehood; Ben-Gvir has a past conviction for supporting a Jewish terrorist group and has called for removing Palestinians and replacing al Aqsa mosque with a synagogue. Smotrich oversees West Bank administration, has expanded settlements, and advocated blocking aid to Gaza and encouraging mass Palestinian emigration. The sanctions, applied to them personally under the UK’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020, include asset freezes, director disqualifications, and travel bans. Israel condemned the move, with Smotrich expressing defiance and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar calling it “outrageous,” promising a government response.
Entities: Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich, United Kingdom, West Bank, Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020 • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
