UK Considers Sanctions on Israeli Ministers Amid Gaza Conflict

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensifies and military actions by Israel continue, the UK government is contemplating imposing sanctions on two Israeli cabinet members, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces pressure to address civilian suffering while navigating the complex political ramifications, particularly following a violent incident in Washington.

British officials are looking closely at the situation, particularly focused on whether Israel will increase aid to Gaza. If conditions improve, the government may delay its decision on the sanctions which were partly inspired by criticism from allies such as France and Canada. The recent shooting of Israeli embassy staff in the US has further complicated the UK’s response, causing some officials to reconsider the timing of punitive measures against senior Israeli leaders who, according to international law, propose relocating Palestinians outside of Gaza.