Arab League welcomes sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers

The Arab League has welcomed the sanctions imposed on two Israeli far-right ministers, saying the move is a step towards accountability for "instigated violence" and "contributing to settler attacks on Palestinians".

The UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Norway imposed sanctions on Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir this week - a rare expression of discontent by Israel's longtime allies. 

“We are steadfastly committed to the two-state solution which is the only way to guarantee security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long term stability in the region, but it is imperiled by extremist settler violence and settlement expansion,” a joint statement said. 

The two hardline officials will face a travel ban and an asset freeze.

The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, said the move sends a clear message to the international community regarding the actions of what he described as “extremist” government officials. 

Aboul Gheit added that the joint decision by the five nations marks an "important initial step toward restoring international balance in addressing war crimes against Palestinians and represents a concrete move toward accountability for those involved in inciting ethnic cleansing and genocide". 

The sanctions are a deviation of typical policy alignment with the United States, which condemned the move and said the decision "[does] not advance US-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home, and end the war".

European countries have amped up the pressure on Israel in response to their Gaza offensive and West bank settlement expansion, but the US has remained steadfast in its support for Israel and vetoed a UN Security Council resolution for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza last week. 

The Israeli government said it would convene next week to decide on its response to the "unacceptable decision" by the European and Commonwealth states. Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, who both live in settlements in the West Bank, rejected the sanctions and vowed to continue their agenda of settlement expansion.  

Settlements in the occupied West Bank have expanded since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas. Israel last month approved 22 Jewish settlements in areas where it previously withdrew, as well as new locations deep within the West Bank. 

Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, as well as in East Jerusalem and the occupied Golan Heights, are considered illegal under international law. 

While the announced sanctions were related to settlement expansion, the five Western states said they cannot be seen in isolation from Gaza. "We continue to be appalled by the immense suffering of civilians, including the denial of essential aid,” the joint statement said. 

The 22-member Arab bloc has repeatedly called out Israel for its conduct during the Gaza conflict. In March, it urged its members states to begin taking steps towards cutting military and economic ties with Israel, saying continued trade and military dealings would constitute complicity in Israel’s onslaught of Gaza.