Image Source: Al Arabiya
World – Several countries have sanctioned far-right Israeli ministers who, they say, have incited extremist settler violence and undermined the two-state solution.
Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom announced sanctions and other targeted measures against Israeli cabinet members Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
The joint statement accuses both ministers of fuelling attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
“Settler violence is incited by extremist rhetoric which calls for Palestinians to be driven from their homes, encourages violence and human rights abuses and fundamentally rejects the two-state solution,” the statement reads.
It adds that such violence “has led to the deaths of Palestinian civilians and the displacement of whole communities.”
Israeli Leaders Jeopardising Two-State Solution
The five countries said they remain committed to the two-state solution as “the only way to guarantee security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long-term stability in the region.”
They warned, however, that this path is being “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,” the statement continues.
“Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous. These actions are not acceptable.”
Israel Impunity Acknowledged by the West
Despite repeated engagement with the Israeli government, the countries said, “violent perpetrators continue to act with encouragement and impunity. This is why we have taken this action now – to hold those responsible to account.”
They stressed that their support for Israel’s security remains unchanged. However, they are concerned that “individuals who, in our view, undermine Israel’s security and its standing in the world” are being allowed to act with impunity.
“The measures announced today do not deviate from our unwavering support for Israel’s security, and we continue to condemn the horrific terror attacks of 7 October by Hamas,” the statement read.
The ministers also expressed alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating that they are “appalled by the immense suffering of civilians, including the denial of essential aid.”
“There must be no unlawful transfer of Palestinians from Gaza or within the West Bank, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip.”
US Response to the Sanctions
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marc Rubio strongly condemned the sanctions, urging allied nations to reverse their decision.
In a sharply worded statement, Rubio criticised the move, arguing that it would undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and secure the release of hostages.
“These sanctions do not advance U.S.-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home, and end the war,” Rubio said. “We reject any notion of equivalence: Hamas is a terrorist organisation that committed unspeakable atrocities… We remind our partners not to forget who the real enemy is.”
