Canada, along with the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, has imposed formal sanctions on two Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. The joint statement from the foreign ministers accuses both figures of “incitements of violence against Palestinian communities.” The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans, targeting their alleged responsibility for promoting and supporting serious human rights abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank. Global Affairs Canada highlighted the need to hold individuals accountable for actions that are deemed cruel and inhumane.
The criticisms directed at Ben-Gvir and Smotrich echo broader concerns about their inflammatory rhetoric, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict with Palestinians. British Foreign Minister David Lammy condemned Smotrich’s remarks about the possible ethnic cleansing of Gaza as “extremism,” emphasizing the dangerous implications of such statements. This reflects the tension within Israeli politics, where both ministers have openly advocated for aggressive policies towards the Palestinian territories, including calls for the re-establishment of Jewish settlements that Israel had previously vacated in 2005.
In response to the sanctions, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed outrage, accusing the countries involved of unjustly targeting Israel. He announced plans for a special government meeting to formulate a response. Smotrich, displaying defiance, voiced contempt for the U.K.’s actions, framing them as attempts to undermine their claims to their homeland. He insisted on Israel’s determination to continue its settlement efforts, dismissing foreign criticisms as interference in Israel’s sovereign rights.
Despite the sanctions, the joint statement from the five countries clarified their commitment to Israel’s security and condemned Hamas’s recent actions, including the October 7, 2023, attack. They aimed to balance their disapproval of specific individuals’ actions with a reaffirmed alliance with Israel, emphasizing shared values and the importance of maintaining a strong friendship. The ministers reiterated that the sanctions were directed at undermining behaviors rather than the state of Israel itself, aiming for constructive accountability.
The collective stance by these Western nations comes amid growing pressure on the Israeli government to alleviate humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Several countries, including those issuing sanctions, have actively called for an end to the blockade that restricts aid, echoing concerns over the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire. Their actions reflect an ongoing dialogue about balancing Israel’s security needs with humanitarian obligations towards Palestinian civilians in the conflict.
In summary, Canada and its allies are taking a strong stand against the voices of extremism within the Israeli government by sanctioning two ministers whose rhetoric has been associated with inciting violence against Palestinians. This policy move signals a significant diplomatic effort to hold individuals accountable while simultaneously maintaining a commitment to Israel’s security and a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict.
