Washington pushes back on British-led sanctions over Gaza comments
The United Kingdom has come under fire from the United States after joining four nations in imposing sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from top American officials.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio openly condemned the sanctions late Tuesday, arguing they disrupt Washington’s diplomatic objectives in the region.
“These sanctions do not advance U.S.-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home, and end the war. 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,” said Rubio in a statement.
Rubio’s comments reflect deepening concern in Washington over growing international pressure on Israel as the Gaza conflict continues.
The UK, along with Norway, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, announced coordinated sanctions earlier on Tuesday. The measures target Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Both ministers are accused of “inciting extremist violence” towards Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are known for their hard-line positions and are widely considered pivotal figures in keeping Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government intact.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar reacted strongly, calling the move by the UK and its partners “outrageous” and stating that the Israeli government would convene early next week to discuss its response.
This stance was echoed by US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who branded the sanctions: “An incredible overreach,” adding that the United States “would have responded appropriately.”
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy defended the sanctions, pointing to persistent and inflammatory rhetoric from the two Israeli ministers.
“Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have been inciting violence against Palestinian people for months, and months and months, and months,” Lammy stated.
The clash highlights growing diplomatic friction between the UK and the US over the handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict. While London is stepping up measures against figures it deems as fuelling unrest, Washington is urging caution, fearing further complications in ceasefire negotiations.
Key Takeaway:
- Sanctions Imposed By: UK, Norway, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
- Targets: Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich
- Reason: Alleged incitement of violence against Palestinians
- US Reaction: Strong condemnation, calls for reversal
- Israel’s Response: To be decided in the upcoming government meeting
The controversy surrounding the UK sanctions on Israeli ministers underscores widening policy differences among Western allies as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates. Whether this marks a turning point in transatlantic relations remains to be seen.
