UK Sanctions Two Israeli Ministers Over Gaza Comments
Above: Itamar Ben-Gvir (L) and Bezalel Smotrich attend a rally with supporters in the southern Israeli city of Sderot on Oct. 26, 2022. Image copyright: Gil Cohen-Magen/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Palestine narrative
These sanctions represent necessary accountability for extremist rhetoric that threatens Palestinian human rights and undermines peace efforts. Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have consistently promoted dangerous policies, including forced relocation of Palestinians and blocking humanitarian aid to civilians facing famine conditions, and must face consequences for their actions.
Pro-Israel narrative
The sanctions constitute an outrageous attack on democratically elected Israeli officials who are defending their nation's security interests. These measures unfairly target government ministers working to protect Israel while ignoring Hamas' role in perpetuating the conflict and using civilians as human shields.
