UK considers sanctions on 'Israeli' far-right ministers Smotrich, Ben-Gvir: Sources
The United Kingdom is considering imposing sanctions on two senior 'Israeli' ministers, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, over their roles in inciting and enabling violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.
According to the FT, the proposed sanctions — which may include travel bans and asset freezes — are being discussed by Britain’s Labour government as part of a broader shift in UK policy amid deepening concerns about 'Israel’s' conduct in Gaza and the West Bank.
Citing officials briefed on the discussions, the Financial Times said the sanctions would primarily target actions in the West Bank, where the UK government has condemned what it calls a “dramatic surge” in settler attacks on Palestinians over the past 18 months.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced on May 20, 2025, that the UK had frozen trade talks with Israel and imposed sanctions on three Israeli settlers accused of carrying out violent attacks. In a speech to Parliament, Lammy also condemned recent remarks by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who claimed that Israel was "cleansing" Gaza and "destroying everything that's left."
“We must call this what it is: it is extremist, it is dangerous, it is repellent, it is monstrous, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms,” Lammy told lawmakers.
Smotrich and Ben-Gvir are both known for their hardline ultranationalist views. Smotrich oversees Israel’s civil administration in the West Bank, while Ben-Gvir — who has a past conviction for incitement to racism — commands 'Israeli' border police operating in Palestinian territories. Before entering office, Ben-Gvir reportedly displayed a portrait of Baruch Goldstein, who massacred over two dozen Palestinian worshippers in Hebron in 1994, in his home.
The UK Foreign Office told the Financial Times that it continues to assess options regarding further sanctions but declined to comment on individuals under consideration.
The move signals growing frustration in London with the Netanyahu government, especially as 'Israel' continues its genocide in Gaza following October 7 event.
According to the same report Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has reversed several key policies from the previous administration since taking office, including reinstating funding to UNRWA and suspending certain arms export licenses to 'Israel'.
The UK is also reportedly in talks with France and Saudi Arabia over whether to recognize a Palestinian state at an upcoming UN conference in New York.
