Sir Keir Starmer is contemplating imposing sanctions on Israeli cabinet members amidst increasing pressure on the Tel Aviv government regarding its actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. The discussions on sanctions come after the UK recently imposed fresh sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank, with accusations that Israel is allowing extremist settlers to act with impunity. The UK’s foreign secretary, Lord Cameron, revealed that he had been preparing to sanction Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir before the general election was called.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir confirmed that the UK government is considering imposing sanctions on the Israeli ministers. He described the comments made by the pair regarding the situation in Gaza and the West Bank as “abhorrent”. Sir Keir emphasised the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with a death toll exceeding 42,000 and increasing difficulties in accessing basic services. He urged Israel to take all necessary steps to avoid civilian casualties, allow greater volumes of aid into Gaza, and enable UN humanitarian partners to operate effectively.
Additionally, Sir Keir expressed agreement with the White House’s position that more humanitarian aid must reach Gaza to prevent a potential cut in weapons funding. He stressed the urgent need for increased aid in Gaza and called on Israel to comply with its international humanitarian law obligations. The US Secretary of State and Defence Secretary also wrote to Israeli counterparts, demanding changes to address deteriorating conditions in northern Gaza, following an Israeli strike on a hospital tent site that resulted in casualties.
The sanctions proposed on Israeli cabinet members aim to put pressure on the Tel Aviv government to adhere to international law. The move follows criticism of Minister Smotrich for suggesting withholding food aid from Gaza and Minister Ben-Gvir for supporting the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank. The UK government’s stance has been to work towards ensuring that aid reaches Gaza at a minimum rate of 350 trucks a day and to provide increased security for humanitarian sites.
The recent sanctions target three outposts and four organisations deemed to have supported and committed human rights abuses against Palestinian communities in the occupied territory. The decision to consider sanctions on Israeli ministers reflects a broader international effort to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. Lord Cameron highlighted the importance of holding extremist government officials accountable through sanctions to push for compliance with international norms and laws.