Canada, alongside four other countries, is formally sanctioning two Israeli ministers for comments they say are “incitements of violence against Palestinian communities.”
The sanctions were announced by the foreign ministers of Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Norway on Tuesday in a joint statement.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich will both see their assets frozen and face travel bans.
Both men face sanctions for being “responsible for, engaging in, inciting, promoting and/or supporting activity which amounts to a serious abuse of the right of individuals not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, in particular acts of aggression and violence against Palestinian individuals in the West Bank.”
“These two individuals promoted extremist settler violence and it has to stop,” said Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand on Tuesday afternoon. “I will add they are members of Netanyahu’s government, they are not members of his party but rather coalition partners from far-right parties.”
A joint statement, provided by Global Affairs Canada, goes on to state that the actions made by Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are not acceptable and are why the countries have taken action to hold those responsible to account.
“Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights,” the joint statement, provided by Global Affairs Canada, states.
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British Foreign Minister David Lammy has previously condemned comments by Smotrich on the possible cleansing and destruction of Gaza and relocation of its residents to third countries.
He described the comments as “extremism,” while also calling it “dangerous” and “monstrous.”
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Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anand calls for ceasefire, rules out Hamas role in Gaza future
Both Israeli ministers have clashed multiple times with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for the permanent conquest of Gaza and re-establishment of Jewish settlements there, which Israel abandoned in 2005.
Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, called Tuesday’s sanctions “outrageous” and said the government would hold a special meeting early next week to decide on a response.
Smotrich spoke of “contempt” for Britain’s move in particular.
“Britain has already tried once to prevent us from settling the cradle of our homeland, and we cannot do it again. We are determined God willing to continue building,” Smotrich said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also condemned the move.
“These sanctions do not advance U.S.-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home, and end the war,” he said in a statement. “We reject any notion of equivalence: Hamas is a terrorist organization that committed unspeakable atrocities, continues to hold innocent civilians hostage, and prevents the people of Gaza from living in peace.
“We remind our partners not to forget who the real enemy is. The United States urges the reversal of the sanctions and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel.”
The joint statement on Tuesday, however, appeared to stress the countries’ “unwavering support” for Israel’s security remains and condemn the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas.
“Today’s measures are targeted towards individuals who in our view undermine Israel’s own security and its standing in the world,” the statement reads. “We continue to want a strong friendship with the people of Israel based on our shared ties, values and commitment to their security and future.”
The move by the five countries comes as the U.K. and other European countries have pressured Netanyahu to end the blockade of aid into Gaza. The statement said they would strive to ensure an immediate ceasefire, the release of remaining hostages and the “unhindered flow of humanitarian aid including food.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney last month joined the leaders of Britain and France in warning of consequences unless Israel allows more humanitarian aid into Gaza. Carney has not specified what actions his government might take if Israel didn’t comply.
— with files from Global’s Sean Boynton and Reuters
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
