Canada, allies sanction Israeli ministers over ‘extremist settler violence’
Canada has joined the U.K., Norway, Australia and New Zealand in sanctioning Israeli lawmakers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for ‘inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank,’ by calling for Palestinians to be displaced for expanded Israeli settlements.
The United States has condemned Canada and four other countries for imposing sanctions on two Israeli cabinet ministers.
On Tuesday, Canada joined the U.K., Norway, Australia and New Zealand in sanctioning the ministers for “inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement the United States urges the countries to reverse the sanctions.
Rubio says the sanctions do not advance the United States’ efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the region, bring home hostages and end the war.
The statement goes on to blame Hamas for disturbing the peace of Gaza civilians and says the countries should “not forget who the real enemy is.”
Israeli National Security Minister and head of Jewish Power party Itamar Ben-Gvir is seen giving a statement to members of the press on Jan. 16, 2025. He is one of two ministers in Israel’s coalition government facing new sanctions from Canada and four other countries. (Oren Ben Hakoon/Reuters)
