In a significant diplomatic move, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, citing their “repeated incitements of violence against Palestinian communities” in the occupied West Bank.
This action, announced by Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, marks a concerted international effort alongside Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway to hold the ministers accountable for escalating tensions and human rights abuses.
Under the new measures, both Finance Minister Smotrich and National Security Minister Ben-Gvir face travel bans to the UK and will have any assets held within the country frozen.
Foreign Secretary Lammy explicitly stated that the ministers “incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights,” adding unequivocally, “These actions are not acceptable. This is why we have taken action now – to hold those responsible to account.”
The sanctions triggered an immediate and sharp rebuke from Israel, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar declaring it “outrageous that elected representatives and members of the government are subjected to these kind of measures.” He indicated that the Israeli cabinet would convene next week to formulate a response to the “unacceptable decision.”
Both Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, key figures in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fragile ruling coalition, have been vocal critics of humanitarian aid entering Gaza and have controversially called for the displacement of Palestinians from the territory. Their ultra-nationalist parties hold crucial seats, making their support vital for the government’s stability.
The UK Foreign Office underscored the escalating crisis in the West Bank, noting that “Palestinian communities… continue to suffer from severe acts of violence by extremist Israeli settlers which also undermine a future Palestinian state.” The joint international response aims to address this rising violence and intimidation.
Foreign Secretary Lammy also reaffirmed the UK’s broader policy objectives, stating, “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.”
Responding to the sanctions, Smotrich, speaking at the inauguration of a new settlement in the West Bank, expressed “contempt” for the UK’s move, alluding to historical British attempts to restrict Jewish settlement. “Britain has already tried once to prevent us from settling the cradle of our homeland, and we cannot do it again,” he asserted. “We are determined, God willing, to continue building.”
The vast majority of the international community, including the International Court of Justice in an advisory opinion last year, considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, established since the 1967 Middle East war, illegal under international law – a position Israel disputes.
This latest round of sanctions follows increasing pressure on Israel from the UK and its allies. Last month, the leaders of Britain, France, and Canada issued a joint statement warning that Israel risked violating international law, and the UK also suspended trade talks with Israel.
Lammy himself previously condemned Smotrich’s remarks about “cleansing” Gaza as “monstrous” and “dangerous” extremism.
The sanctions come 20 months after the Hamas-led cross-border attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Since then, at least 54,927 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in the territory.
