The UK is to formally sanction two far-right Israeli ministers following “monstrous” comments about the conflict in Gaza, Jewish News has been told.
Britain could join the likes of Canada, Australia, New Zealand on Tuesday by freezing the assets of and imposing travel bans on Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Israeli security minister, and Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister.
Jewish News also understands the UK has decided against coming out in favour of the immediate recognition of Palestine, but has instead opted for tough sanctions against the Israeli ministers.
At one stage last week, the possibility of the UK joining France in announcing immediate recognition of a Palestinian state was “a real one”, according to two sources.
One source claimed Keir Starmer was among those who has argued against the move, instead preferring to stick to the current UK position of recognising a state only at the point of maximum impact, when Israel’s security is also guaranteed.
The sanctions mean that Smotrich and Ben-Gvir will both be banned from entering Britain and will ban any financial institutions based in the UK from dealing with them.
Both foreign secretary David Lammy and Middle East minister Hamish Falconer have repeatedly warned about tough measures being taken against the Israeli ministers.
Lammy has called Israel’s recent offensive “a dark new phase in this conflict” and has previously condemned comments by Smotrich on the possible cleansing and destruction of Gaza and relocation of its residents to third countries.
In the Commons last week Falconer refused to tell MPs exactly when possible sanction would be introduced.
One senior Labour source confirmed to Jewish News on Tuesday that there would be “no change” in the UK position on Palestine recognition at a forthcoming conference in New York with France and Saudi Arabia.
But the source confirmed “sanctions against Smotrich and Ben-Gvir are imminent” to “keep the wolf from the door”.
The Times also reported that sanctions would be introduced against the two ministers.
Benjamin Netanyahu held a security consultation focused on Iran following his call earlier today with US President Donald Trump on Monday night at which Ben Gvir and Smotrich attended.
Last year Smotrich was condemned by the UK, France, and the EU after appearing to suggest it might be “justified and moral” to starve Palestinians in Gaza.
In November the minister was condemned for suggesting annexation of the West Bank.
