UK Sanctions Two Far-Right Israeli Ministers over Gaza Comments

Strategic Insights -

The United Kingdom has informed Israel that it will impose sanctions on two Cabinet ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, both vocal supporters of Israeli settlements. The move comes after Ben-Gvir and Smotrich made comments that the British government deemed "monstrous" in relation to the Gaza conflict. The UK's decision has been met with outrage from the Israeli government, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar calling the move "outrageous."

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK has informed Israel that it will sanction two Cabinet ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, over their comments on the Gaza conflict.
  • The sanctions are a response to Ben-Gvir and Smotrich's comments, which the British government deemed "monstrous" and unacceptable.
  • Both Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are far-right Israeli ministers who have been vocal supporters of Israeli settlements.
  • Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has called the UK's decision "outrageous" and said that he will discuss the move with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
  • The Israeli government has not commented on whether it will take any action in response to the UK's decision.

Statistics:

  • 2: The number of Israeli Cabinet ministers who will be sanctioned by the UK.
  • 1: The number of Palestinian state that Smotrich mentioned in his social media post.
  • 1: The number of times Ben-Gvir mentioned overcoming Pharoah in his social media post.
  • 1: The number of times Smotrich mentioned overcoming Starmer's Wall in his social media post.

Sources:

  • AP Correspondent Jill Lawless in London
  • Read More UK sanctions two far-right Israeli ministers over 'monstrous' Gaza comments
  • Gideon Saar's public remarks confirming the sanction decision
  • Itamar Ben-Gvir's X post
  • Bezalel Smotrich's X post