Five countries have imposed sanctions against Israeli ministers for incitement to gas violence
Imamar Ben-Guille and Bezalel Smotrich. Photo: Getty Images
The United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, New Zealand and Australia have imposed sanctions against two Israeli ministers-Imamar Ben-Gir and Betzalel Smotrich-accusing them of inciting violence against Palestinians on the West Bank. The United States condemned this step and urged to cancel sanctions.
Source: Reuters, The Times of IsraelUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Social networks x
Details: On Tuesday, June 10, five countries announced sanctions against the two Ministers of the Israeli Government-National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gir and Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrych.
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According to Reuters with reference to knowledgeable sources, sanctions include a ban on entry and freezing of assets.
The joint statement of foreign ministers states that « Imamar Ben-Guil and Betzalel Smotrich was incited for extremist violence and serious human rights violations against Palestinians.
« Such actions are unacceptable. That is why we have taken measures now to hold the perpetrators responsible, » the statement said.
« We continue to be stunned by the suffering of the civilian population, in particular the refusal to provide the necessary assistance. There should be no illegal movement of Palestinians from the Gaza or within the west shore, as well as no reduction of the Gaza Strip, » the statement said.
In response, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called this step « outrageous » and reported that the Israeli Government would hold a special meeting early next week to make a decision to respond to an « unacceptable decision ».
« Britain has once tried to prevent us from populating the cradle of our homeland, and for the second time we will not accept it, » Smotrich reacted.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused these countries of wanting to help Hamas and « find themselves on the wrong side of history. »
Sudden criticism also sounded from the US to the Allies.
« We are still concerned about any step, which is even more isolate Israel from the international community. If our allies want to help, they should focus on supporting the negotiations of the Special Messenger of Witcoff and supporting the Humanitarian Gaza, when it comes to food and help.
Direct Rubio language: « These sanctions do not contribute to the efforts of the United States to cease fire, return all hostages home and end the war.
We reject any concept of equivalence: Hamas is a terrorist organization that has committed unspeakable atrocities, continues to keep innocent civilians in hostages and prevents gases from living in peace. We remind our partners not to forget who is a real enemy.
The United States call for the abolition of sanctions and stand side by side with Israel. «
Prehistory:
- Israel launched a military operation in Gaza in response to Hamas attack in October 2023, which, according to the Israeli side, died 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and another 251 were taken hostage.
- The operation of Israel destroyed a large part of the gase and led to the death of more than 54 thousand Palestinians, according to the Gaza health authorities.
- In May leaders of Great Britain, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Slovenia, Spain and Canada called The Government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyag to stop the blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, where, according to international experts, famine is inevitable and threatened with « specific actions » if the new military offensive is not stopped.
