US slams sanctions on Israeli ministers

US SECRETARY of State Marco Rubio condemned the sanctions imposed this week by Britain and other nations against two Israeli cabinet members accused of repeatedly inciting violence against Palestinians.

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“These sanctions do not advance US-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home, and end the war” in Gaza, Rubio said in a statement.

Britain's foreign ministry earlier announced that Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir will be banned from entering the UK and will have any assets in the country frozen.

Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway also imposed fresh measures against the ministers, as the Israeli government faces growing international criticism over the conduct of its conflict with Hamas.

The sanctions mark a break between the five countries and Israel’s closest ally, the US, with Rubio urging partners “not to forget who the real enemy is” and to stand “shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel” against Hamas.