UK and allies sanction two Israeli ministers over Gaza remarks

Far-right ministers called out for 'repeated incitements of violence against Palestinians'

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LONDON - Britain and some allies imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, Mr Itamar Ben-Gvir and Mr Bezalel Smotrich on June 10, over "their repeated incitements of violence against Palestinian communities", the UK's foreign ministry said.

Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway joined Britain in freezing the assets and imposing travel bans on Israel's National Security Minister Ben-Gvir - a West Bank settler - and Finance Minister Smotrich.

"Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights. These actions are not acceptable," British Foreign Minister David Lammy, along with the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway said in a joint statement.

"This is why we have taken action now to hold those responsible to account."

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the move was "outrageous" and the government would hold a special meeting early next week to decide how to respond to the "unacceptable decision".