Today the UK government, along with other international allies, announced an important and moral decision to sanction far-right Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. The basis on which they’ve been sanctioned is incitement to violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
These two ministers are leading figures in opposing a ceasefire and hostage deal, pushing for the continuation of the war in Gaza as well as efforts to occupy and annex Palestinian territory – as well as to transfer the Palestinian population from their land.
This January, Minister Ben Gvir boasted “In the last year, using our political power, we managed to prevent this [hostage release] deal from going ahead, time after time.”
In September 2024, Minister Smotrich said “My life’s mission is to build the Land of Israel and thwart the establishment of a Palestinian state.”
It’s no wonder that over 77% of British Jews do not approve of these extremists.
Last year we ran a campaign which was supported by hundreds of British Jews, including over 100 leaders of Jewish youth groups and Jewish societies on university campuses, calling for these ministers to be sanctioned. Additionally, over 500 Israelis living in the UK wrote a letter to the Prime Minister, also calling for sanctions against these ministers. This makes it clear that our voices matter, and that we must continue to advocate in our community and in parliament, and to make sure that the diverse voices in our community are heard.
The decision to sanction these extremists is another important step when it comes to drawing red lines and refusing to normalise political leaders who are harming Israel and putting Israelis – in particular the hostages – at risk, and advocating for the continuation of a war that continues to destroy the lives of thousands of civilians in Gaza.
Yet again, this makes an important distinction between the Israeli public – who want an end to the war and return of hostages – and the Israeli government, that is continuing the brutal war in Gaza and abandoning the hostages.
We wholeheartedly support the UK government’s decision to sanction these ministers.