UK and partners unite to sanction ministers inciting West Bank violence
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As Palestinian communities in the West Bank continue to suffer from
severe acts of violence by extremist Israeli settlers which also
undermine a future Palestinian state, the United Kingdom has joined
Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway in stepping up the
international response. In their personal capacity, Israeli
government ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich are now
sanctioned for their repeated incitement of violence against
Palestinian civilians,...Request free
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As Palestinian communities in the West Bank continue to suffer from severe acts of violence by extremist Israeli settlers which also undermine a future Palestinian state, the United Kingdom has joined Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway in stepping up the international response. In their personal capacity, Israeli government ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich are now sanctioned for their repeated incitement of violence against Palestinian civilians, effective immediately. The UK has made clear in public and private to the Netanyahu government that Israel must cease expansion of illegal settlements which undermine a future Palestinian state, clamp down on settler violence, and condemn inflammatory and extremist statements from both individuals. The measures announced by international partners today demonstrate the commitment to ensure individuals are held accountable for encouraging and inciting human rights abuses. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, along with the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway said in a joint statement: “We are steadfastly committed to the two-state solution and will continue to work with our partners towards its implementation. It is the only way to guarantee security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long term stability in the region, but it is imperilled by extremist settler violence and settlement expansion. “Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights. These actions are not acceptable. This is why we have taken action now – to hold those responsible to account. “We will strive to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of the remaining hostages by Hamas which can have no future role in the governance of Gaza, a surge in aid and a path to a two-state solution.” As of April 2025, extremist settlers have carried out over 1,900 attacks against Palestinian civilians since January last year. The UK is committed to protecting the viability of a two-state solution and human rights, including by challenging those inciting violence. In a joint statement with partners, the UK reiterated its commitment to continuing “a strong friendship with the people of Israel based on shared ties, values and commitment to [its] security and future.” The Foreign Secretary was also clear that the UK will “continue to work with the Israeli Government and a range of partners” to deliver long-term peace and security. Alongside partners Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway, the UK is clear that the rising violence and intimidation by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the West Bank must stop. Measures today cannot be seen in isolation from events in Gaza where Israel must uphold International Humanitarian Law.
BACKGROUND Individuals and entities sanctioned today:
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