Western countries impose sanctions on two Israeli ministers

On Tuesday, June 10, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway imposed sanctions against Israel's Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir. This was reported by international news agencies.

These measures are explained by their support for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, as well as inciting public unrest through discriminatory and inflammatory statements.

In a joint statement published by the British Foreign Office, it states:

"We remain committed to a two-state solution. This is the only path to ensuring the safety, rights, and stability of both Israelis and Palestinians in the region. Unfortunately, this position is under threat due to extremist settler violence and the expansion of new settlements."

The authors of the statement also criticize the two ministers for "openly encouraging extremist violence against Palestinians, calling for their forced displacement, and promoting the construction of new Jewish settlements." According to them, such actions are considered serious violations of human rights.

These five countries are calling on the Israeli government to fulfill its obligations under international law and to take urgent steps to halt extremist and expansionist rhetoric.

According to experts, while such sanctions from Western nations are not new, the fact that they are aimed directly at government officials is seen as a strong diplomatic signal. It may indicate a further deterioration of the situation in the Middle East.