Britain considers sanctions against Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich over Gaza offensive

The British government is weighing whether to impose sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, amid growing international outrage over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. The idea was first proposed by former foreign secretary David Cameron under the previous Conservative government, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration is still weighing the options.

 

Momentum for such action has been building over recent weeks, particularly after Britain joined France and Canada in condemning Israel’s burgeoning operations in the Gaza Strip. Both Ben-Gvir, Israel’s national security minister, and Smotrich, the finance minister, have publicly supported the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza—an act that would violate international law and conventions.

 

Despite the backing of many officials, academia and the intelligentsia for the move, the government remains hesitant. A recent fatal shooting outside a Jewish museum in Washington, where two Israeli embassy staff were killed by a pro-Palestinian gunman, has prompted some in Whitehall to question the timing of punitive measures. According to one British diplomat, officials are now likely to await signs that Israel will allow a measurable increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza before proceeding.

 

The deaths of hundreds of civilians, including many children, during Israeli strikes in recent weeks have only intensified calls for action. Smotrich’s inflammatory remarks about “cleansing” Gaza and relocating its population have drawn international condemnation. 

 

Speaking in Parliament a few days ago, Foreign Secretary David Lammy slammed the minister's rhetoric as “extremist, dangerous and monstrous.” He also announced the suspension of trade negotiations with Israel and additional sanctions against extremist settlers in the West Bank.

 

Still, the government has stopped short of formally accusing Israel of genocide, despite growing calls from Labour backbenchers and human rights advocates. The use of such language could open the door to broader sanctions, including a full suspension of arms sales. Britain partially halted weapons exports to Israel in September, but critics argue that current measures fall short of the country’s legal obligations.

 

On May 26, more than 800 British lawyers, legal scholars and retired judges, including two former Supreme Court justices, urged the government to impose immediate sanctions against Israel. In an open letter, they argued that Israel’s military actions amounted to war crimes and posed a “serious risk of genocide.” They also accused Israel of denying Palestinians their legal right to self-determination and described the current level of aid entering Gaza as “gravely insufficient.”

 

“War crimes, crimes against humanity and serious violations of international humanitarian law are being committed,” the letter stated. “Genocide is being perpetrated in Gaza, or, at a minimum, there is a serious risk of genocide occurring.”

 

The 36-page document called for immediate financial and travel sanctions on Israeli leaders suspected of unlawful conduct, a suspension of the UK-Israel 2030 Roadmap agreement, and a full review of trade relations. It also demanded that Britain uphold its obligations as a signatory to the Rome Statute by acting on the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant. Both men are accused of war crimes in Gaza, allegations Netanyahu strongly denies.

 

The legal campaign is the latest in a series of warnings issued since the war erupted in October 2023. Earlier letters focused on arms sales and the potential complicity of the UK in Israeli violations of international law. The legality of those arms exports is now being challenged in the High Court.

 

The war in Gaza has entered a deadlier phase since Israel launched a new offensive in mid-May. An 11-week blockade, in place since early March, was only partially lifted amid international pressure. Yet, aid agencies say the humanitarian situation remains catastrophic. According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 100 people a day were killed in the first week of renewed airstrikes.

 

Britain’s reluctance to act decisively has also highlighted divisions within Starmer’s government. While the Foreign Office is reportedly in favour of stronger action, Downing Street remains cautious. Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, is said to be under increasing pressure from within the Labour Party, as well as from leading legal figures, to stand by international legal norms.

 

France is considering recognising a Palestinian state and has encouraged the UK to do so with it, potentially at a June summit. Norway, Spain and Ireland have already taken this step. British diplomats, however, argue such recognition may have little impact on the ground unless backed by coordinated international measures.

 

Complicating matters further is the shifting position of the United States. While traditionally staunch in its defence of Israel, Washington has recently turned more critical. President Donald Trump, in a rare rebuke, has expressed frustration at the escalating conflict, urging a swift end. Though British officials remain wary of basing decisions on Trump’s erratic positions, they see his rhetoric as a potential opening for more independent action.

 

For now, the UK appears to be treading water, hoping for a change in Israel’s approach before committing to a firm response. Yet, the pressure is mounting, and the voices demanding accountability are growing louder.

 

As Daniel Levy, a former Israeli peace negotiator and director of the US/Middle East Project, put it: “You can’t claim to stand for international law and then flinch when its test comes. Starmer’s legacy may well hang on whether he finds the courage to act.”

Middle East