International Sanctions Hit Israeli Ministers Over West Bank Violence

International Sanctions Target Israeli Ministers Amid West Bank Tensions Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway have announced sanctions against two Israeli cabinet ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, for allegedly inciting violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The move underscores growing international concern over the escalating conflict. The sanctions, which include travel bans and asset freezes, were announced on June 10, 2025. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly stated that the sanctions were a direct response to the ministers' inflammatory rhetoric. "We cannot stand idly by while violence is incited," Joly said in a statement. British Foreign Minister David Lammy echoed these sentiments, stating, "The UK says we are against something, we absolutely expect the government to condemn it and for it to stop. It hasn't stopped." In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will hold a special government meeting early next week to determine Israel's response to the sanctions. Sa'ar expressed outrage that elected officials were subjected to such measures. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the West Bank and the international community's efforts to de-escalate the conflict. The sanctions serve as a clear message that incitement of violence will not be tolerated.