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Foreign ministers

Australia Imposes Sanctions on Israeli Ministers Amid Rising Tensions in Gaza

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Australia has imposed sanctions and travel bans on two senior Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, for their alleged roles in serious human rights abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank. Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the move as a clear sign that the international community is increasingly frustrated with the Israeli war effort in Gaza. The sanctions were imposed in conjunction with three of Australia's Five Eyes security partners - Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand - but not with the US, which has criticized the move.

The sanctions follow a significant escalation in Canberra's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Wong stating that Australia had extensively engaged with the Israeli government on the issue but had seen no meaningful progress. The joint statement emphasized that the two ministers had incited extremist violence and committed serious abuses of Palestinian human rights, which are not acceptable. Wong called on the Israeli government to uphold its obligations under international law and take meaningful action to end extremist, violent, and expansionist rhetoric.

The Israeli ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, described the sanctions as "entirely unacceptable" and suggested that the move was driven by motivations unrelated to the Israeli government's actions. Maimon characterized the decision as "unreasonable" and highlighted the ongoing war effort against Hamas, which has dedicated all possible efforts and resources to securing the safe return of the 55 hostages still held by the group.

Key Takeaways:

  • Australia has imposed Magnitsky-style sanctions on two senior Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, for their alleged roles in serious human rights abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank.
  • The sanctions were imposed in conjunction with three of Australia's Five Eyes security partners - Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand - but not with the US, which has criticized the move.
  • The Portuguese government has joined the European Union's condemnation of violence against Palestinian civilians. The EU has imposed sanctions on several Israeli ministers, including Ben-Gvir and Smotrich.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is planning to convene a special session next week to discuss its response to the sanctions.
  • The sanctions carry significant legal weight, with Australians found to be dealing with the sanctioned individuals' assets facing penalties of up to 10 years' imprisonment or fines reaching $825,000.
  • Both Israeli ministers have a history of making inflammatory public remarks, with Ben-Gvir advocating for the mass expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and Smotrich suggesting that Gaza "will be entirely destroyed."

Statistics:

  • Over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's campaign in Gaza, according to Hamas-run Gaza health authorities.
  • 55 hostages remain held by Hamas, with Israel dedicating all possible efforts and resources to securing their safe return.
  • 1200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October 2023.
  • The sanctions were imposed under Australia's Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011, which allow for measures against individuals responsible for serious violations of human rights.

Sources:

  • Australian government
  • Reuters
  • UN Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016)

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