US Criticizes UK and Allies Over Sanctions on Far-Right Israeli Ministers: The United States has criticized the United Kingdom and four allied nations—Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway—for imposing sanctions on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. These far-right politicians are accused of inciting violence against Palestinians. While the five countries cite human rights abuses and settler violence as the reason for sanctions, the US argues the move undermines ceasefire efforts in Gaza and risks dividing allies. Tensions rise as Israel plans its response and takes retaliatory steps that could affect the Palestinian economy.
US Criticizes UK and Allies Over Sanctions on Far-Right Israeli Ministers
In a move that has stirred significant international debate, the United Kingdom, along with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway, has imposed sanctions on two controversial Israeli cabinet ministers, citing their roles in inciting violence against Palestinians. The decision marks a clear divergence in approach between these nations and the United States, Israel’s closest ally.
The sanctioned individuals are Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s National Security Minister, and Bezalel Smotrich, the country’s Finance Minister. Both are prominent far-right figures within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fragile governing coalition and are widely known for their hardline stances on Palestinian issues. The UK’s Foreign Ministry announced that Ben Gvir and Smotrich will be barred from entering the United Kingdom and will have any assets in the country frozen. Similar measures have been enacted by Canada and Australia, while Norway and New Zealand have imposed travel bans.
The five countries released a joint statement saying that both ministers have “incited extremist violence” and committed “serious abuses of Palestinian human rights.” The statement emphasized that the international community must act to hold those responsible for settler violence accountable, particularly in the occupied West Bank, where tensions have been escalating for months.
UK officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that these actions are aimed at reinforcing a commitment to a two-state solution and curbing further violence. The move reflects growing frustration among Western allies over the increasingly aggressive policies of certain factions within the Israeli government, especially as violence in the West Bank continues to rise.
However, the sanctions have not been universally welcomed. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement condemning the actions of the UK and its partners. Rubio argued that such sanctions undermine US-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, secure the release of hostages, and ultimately end the ongoing war in Gaza. He further emphasized the need to remain united against Hamas, warning allies not to lose sight of what he described as the “real enemy.”
Macro Rubio said:
“The United States condemns the sanctions imposed by the governments of United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, New Zealand, and Australia on two sitting members of the Israeli cabinet. These sanctions do not advance U.S.-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home, and end the war. We reject any notion of equivalence: Hamas is a terrorist organization that committed unspeakable atrocities, continues to hold innocent civilians hostage, and prevents the people of Gaza from living in peace. We remind our partners not to forget who the real enemy is. The United States urges the reversal of the sanctions and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel.”
Rubio’s remarks underscore a widening rift between the US and several of its Western allies when it comes to addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The US has traditionally taken a more cautious approach to criticizing Israel, particularly its elected officials. The recent move by other countries to impose direct penalties on Israeli cabinet members is a rare and bold departure from this norm.
Reacting to the sanctions, Israeli Foreign Minister Gila Gamliel called the measures “outrageous,” stating that targeting democratically elected members of Israel’s government sets a dangerous precedent. She confirmed that a special cabinet meeting will be held early next week to determine Israel’s formal response.
In a retaliatory move, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich ordered the cancellation of a waiver that had previously allowed Israeli banks to cooperate with Palestinian financial institutions. This decision could have significant consequences for the already fragile Palestinian economy, which depends on these banking relationships to process daily transactions in Israeli shekels—the de facto currency in Palestinian territories. Notably, the Palestinian Authority had no involvement in the international sanctions, yet the financial repercussions could hit them hardest.
As the geopolitical fallout from this decision continues to unfold, the contrasting responses between the US and its allies highlight the increasing complexity and fragmentation of international diplomacy regarding Israel and Palestine. The coming days will reveal how this diplomatic strain impacts broader efforts for peace in the region and whether these sanctions signal a long-term shift in global attitudes toward Israel’s internal politics.