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Sanctions Target Israeli Ministers: Understanding Ben-Gvir and Smotrich‘s Roles
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In a coordinated move, several nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and norway, have imposed sanctions on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, escalating international scrutiny over israeli policies and actions in the West Bank [2]. The sanctions, which include travel bans and asset freezes, are a response to what these countries deem as the ministers’ roles in inciting violence against Palestinians.
Who are Ben-Gvir and Smotrich?
Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich are prominent, controversial figures in Israeli politics, known for their far-right views and hardline stances on issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Their roles within the Israeli government have provided platforms to advocate for policies that have drawn both domestic and international criticism.
Bezalel Smotrich: Minister of Finance
Bezalel Smotrich, 45, currently serves as Israel’s Minister of Finance, a position he has held since December 2022 under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [1]. A lawyer by training, Smotrich is an outspoken ultranationalist who strongly supports the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and opposes the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. He has previously described himself as a “proud homophobe” [3].
Did You Know? Smotrich once stated that Gaza would be “
