🇬🇧 UK & Allies Sanction Israeli Far‑Right Ministers Over Gaza Comments
📰 Summary:
On June 10, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway imposed targeted sanctions—asset freezes and travel bans—on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for “inciting extremist violence” in the West Bank and making inflammatory Gaza-related remarks. This marks the first time Western nations have sanctioned sitting Israeli cabinet officials.
The UN-style action underscores mounting concern over settler violence, expansion of illegal settlements, and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel condemned the move, with PM Netanyahu pledging retaliation and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling it counterproductive to ceasefire efforts.
Read a full WTX News report on the UK sanctioning Israeli ministers
💬 Political Reactions:
- 🇬🇧 Foreign Secretary David Lammy: “These ministers have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights.” (🔗)
- 🇺🇸 Secretary Marco Rubio: “These sanctions do not advance US-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire… We remind our partners who the real enemy is.” (🔗)
- ✊🏽 @WestBankSolidarity: “Sanctions are overdue—Palestinians face violence daily. Accountability matters.” (🔗)
🧠 Media Bias/Framing:
- Reuters & AP News: Neutral, factual coverage emphasising the legal dimensions and international coordination behind the sanctions.
- Al Jazeera: Highlights the humanitarian toll, settler violence spike, and Gaza suffering—sets a tone of urgency and moral imperative.
📊 Sentiment Analysis:
Tone: Negative