UK sanctions two Israeli ministers for inciting violence and human rights abuses in Gaza, drawing sharp criticism from Israel and signaling growing Western disapproval of Netanyahu’s government tactics.

The United Kingdom has formally announced sanctions against two far-right Israeli ministers in response to their inflammatory remarks concerning Gaza, confirming the decision on Tuesday. Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich will have their assets frozen, and both will be subjected to travel bans. As initially reported by The Times, no financial institutions in the U.K. will be permitted to engage in transactions with them.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the actions of the two ministers, accusing them of "inciting extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights." He stated, "These actions are not acceptable. This is why we have taken action now — to hold those responsible to account."

In response, Israel issued a strong rebuke, describing the sanctions as “outrageous.” The Israeli government emphasized that it was unacceptable for elected officials and government members to be targeted in this way. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar noted that the Israeli Cabinet would convene next week to deliberate on how to respond to what he termed an “unacceptable decision.”

While the United States continues to offer unwavering support to Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, several of its longstanding allies — including the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Canada — have become increasingly critical of Israeli military strategies.

The Israeli military launched its offensive against Gaza following Hamas’ deadly assault on October 7, 2023, which claimed the lives of over 1,000 Israelis. According to health officials in Gaza, the number of Palestinian casualties has now exceeded 50,000 as the conflict continues.

Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are known as some of the most hardline figures within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration and play a key role in maintaining the coalition that keeps him in office. In January, Ben-Gvir temporarily resigned from the Cabinet during a short-lived ceasefire but rejoined in March as hostilities resumed. He publicly criticized the renewal of aid deliveries to Gaza, labeling the move as a “serious and grave mistake.”

Smotrich, for his part, has authorized the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and made controversial remarks such as stating that “not even a grain of wheat” should be allowed into Gaza. He has also suggested the relocation of Palestinians to third countries following the conclusion of the war.

The U.K. government has been preparing the sanctions for several weeks, coinciding with France’s unsuccessful efforts to rally support for formal recognition of Palestinian statehood. Meanwhile, a number of Arab countries have been encouraging Western powers to shift focus toward imposing economic pressures.

Two Labour Members of Parliament, speaking anonymously to POLITICO, disclosed that the British government informed advocates for Palestinian state recognition that sanctions would take precedence. Labour leader Keir Starmer acknowledged to MPs last week that the U.K., in coordination with allies, was “looking at further action, including sanctions.” French President Emmanuel Macron has echoed similar sentiments.

Last month, Starmer, Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a joint statement condemning the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The statement declared, “We will not stand by while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.”

Earlier, Foreign Secretary Lammy addressed the House of Commons, calling the ministers’ calls for the forced relocation of Gazans “monstrous.” He continued: “We must call this what it is. It is extremism. It is dangerous. It is repellent. It is monstrous and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.”