Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, both prominent figures in the Israeli government known for their support of expanding settlements in the West Bank, are facing sanctions from five Western nations. These penalties include asset freezes and travel bans, marking a significant denunciation of Israel’s settlement practices and the rising violence among settlers, particularly following the conflict that escalated after Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023.
The foreign ministers of the concerned countries issued a joint statement accusing Ben-Gvir and Smotrich of inciting extremist violence and committing serious abuses against Palestinian human rights. They condemned the extremist rhetoric promoting the forced displacement of Palestinians and the establishment of additional Israeli settlements as both appalling and dangerous.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry acknowledged the sanctions, while Smotrich publicly responded, asserting his resolve to continue building in the area despite facing accusations of undermining Palestinian state viability. Ben-Gvir echoed this sentiment, referencing historical struggles to suggest resilience against the sanctions.
Gideon Saar, Israel’s Foreign Minister, denounced the sanctions as outrageous and indicated plans for discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Israel’s response. Previously, the Biden administration had also imposed sanctions on radical Israeli settlers engaged in violent activities, which were later lifted under President Donald Trump.
Human rights attorney Eitay Mack, who has long advocated for sanctions against Smotrich, Ben-Gvir, and violent settlers, hailed the development as historic. He claimed it signifies a breach in the long-standing impunity enjoyed by Israeli politicians and indicated a potential warning to Netanyahu himself about future accountability.
The context of these sanctions stems from Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip since the 1967 War. Palestinians aspire to establish a state within these territories, yet continued settlement expansion has persisted, particularly under Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition government, which has granted key positions to settlers.
Currently, there are over 100 settlements and around 500,000 Israeli settlers residing in the West Bank, a situation that numerous rights organisations argue jeopardises any viable two-state solution. The ongoing expansion of settlements undermines peace negotiations, making the future of those territories increasingly uncertain.