To that end, the Australian government has aligned themselves with other progressive leaders across the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway in acting. They’ve sanctioned two Israeli ministers for their incendiary statements toward Palestinians. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s ultra-nationalist National Security Minister backed by King Bibi, and Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s Finance Minister have gotten the world aghast. As such, their statements are viewed as contributing to or encouraging violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
These sanctions arrive amidst a climate of tremendous tension across the region, especially after the most recent outbreak of violence in Gaza. The two ministers represent a growing chorus of bellicose voices in the Cabinet, now demanding much more aggressive military actions. They have otherwise suggested outright pressuring the displacement of Palestinian communities. The international community sees this kind of rhetoric as extremely escalatory and harmful to prospects for peace.
Sanction Details and International Response
The sanctions against Ben-Gvir and Smotrich include travel bans and asset freezes, reflecting the serious nature of their alleged offenses. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the ministers have “incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights.” She called their actions “unacceptable” and raised alarm over what could happen when such “extremist” rhetoric is used.
Wong further articulated the dangers posed by calls for the “forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements.” Further, she alluded to the fact that these actions undercut not only Israel’s security but its reputation in the international community. “Today’s measures are targeted towards individuals who in our view undermine Israel’s own security and its standing in the world,” she added.
These sanctions create an unprecedented show of solidarity from a number of countries. They are responding to what they perceive to be increasing violence and human rights abuses in the region. For Wong, the Israeli government’s constant engagement on these fronts has been striking. Felony violent offenders still operate without fear – emboldened and unpunished.
Controversial Statements Fueling Tensions
Both Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have a history of deeply incendiary statements that have escalated tensions both within Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. Ben-Gvir has advocated for pushing the Palestinian population out of Gaza, while Smotrich has claimed he would permit “not even a grain of wheat” to enter the region during wartime. He has made the controversial claim that Gaza would be “completely ruined” in the current war.
Yet the two ministers are some of the most active proponents of Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank. This decision was found illegal by the International Court of Justice in 2024. Their active role in nationalist marches, especially on the occasion of Jerusalem Day, has added fuel to the flames. Other Israeli participants in these marches have chanted truly horrendous slogans such as “death to Arabs” and “may your village burn.” Such behavior has alarmed international observers.
“Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous.” – Penny Wong
Domestic Reactions and Political Implications
Public reaction within Israel to the sanctions has been divided. Knesset member Gideon Sa’ar condemned the action as shameful retaliatory actions of an oppressive government against lawmakers. He contended that these moves erode democratic norms and Israel’s sovereignty.
For their part, Ben-Gvir and his allies have been purposefully provocative. He declared, “We passed Pharaoh, we will also pass Starmer’s wall,” in reference to perceived obstacles to Israeli expansionism. Smotrich echoed similar sentiments, asserting that “Britain has already tried once to prevent us from settling the cradle of our homeland,” indicating his intent to continue building settlements despite international opposition.
The sanctions are a sign of unprecedented unity among Western countries. What brings them together is their commitment to addressing human rights abuses in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Our international allies are starting to take a new approach to the Israeli government’s bad behavior. They are more critical of actions that violate established norms around human rights and territorial integrity.
