Rubio Condemns Sanctions on Israeli Ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir

In the latest diplomatic standoff, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a sharp rebuke to five Western nations for sanctioning two Israeli cabinet ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. Rubio’s strong statement reaffirms America’s unwavering support for Israel as the Jewish state faces mounting international pressure.

Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom announced sanctions against Israel’s Finance Minister Smotrich and National Security Minister Ben-Gvir, accusing them of “inciting violence” against Palestinians in Judea and Samaria. The measures include asset freezes and travel bans, although neither minister is reported to have assets in these countries or immediate plans to travel there.

The joint statement from the five countries harshly criticized the ministers for allegedly calling for the forced displacement of Palestinians and the expansion of Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria. The British Labour government, under Foreign Secretary David Lammy, described recent remarks by Smotrich as “monstrous,” further accusing the ministers of fueling extremist rhetoric amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Smotrich, however, remained defiant. While inaugurating a new Jewish community in the Hebron Hills, he responded by invoking the infamous British White Paper that once restricted Jewish immigration to Mandatory Palestine. “Britain already tried once to prevent us from settling the cradle of our homeland, and we will not let it happen again,” he declared. “With God’s help, we are determined to keep building.”

Ben-Gvir echoed these sentiments, stating, “We survived Pharaoh, we will also survive [U.K. Prime Minister] Keir Starmer. Contempt for the White Paper!”

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the sanctions as “outrageous and unacceptable,” and announced that the Israeli government would convene to determine an official response.

Rubio’s statement on Tuesday underscored the deepening divide between Israel’s closest allies and those seeking to pressure its government during a time of war. “These sanctions do not advance U.S.-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home and end the war,” Rubio asserted. “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.”

The American position is clear: Israel is defending itself against an enemy that initiated brutal attacks on October 7, 2023, and continues to threaten its civilians. Rubio called on allied nations to reverse their sanctions and to remain focused on confronting the real threat Hamas.

In moments like these, Israel’s fortitude and determination to defend its people and its land shine through, even as it faces unjust international censure. Share this story or subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated.