NZ Bans 2 Israeli Ministers Over West Bank Violence

New Zealand has imposed travel bans on two far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, for allegedly inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. The decision was made alongside Britain, Australia, Canada, and Norway, marking a rare rebuke from nations traditionally supportive of Israel.

The ministers, key members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, have been vocal supporters of expanding Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and continuing military operations in Gaza. They have also promoted the idea of Palestinians voluntarily leaving Gaza, which critics see as forced displacement.

The five countries announced that the ministers are being sanctioned for encouraging extremist violence and serious human rights abuses. The travel bans may also be followed by asset freezes.

New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the actions of the two ministers go against efforts to achieve a two-state solution, which remains New Zealand’s preferred path to peace in the region. He emphasized that the sanctions are directed at specific individuals and not at the people of Israel or its government as a whole.

The United States reacted strongly against the decision. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the move, saying it undermines efforts to reach a ceasefire and resolve the hostage crisis. He stated that the international community should remain focused on Hamas, which the US classifies as a terrorist group.

In contrast, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand supported the sanctions, describing the ministers as individuals who promote violence and threaten regional stability.

Israel condemned the sanctions. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the decision outrageous and said he had discussed the matter with Netanyahu. A government meeting is expected to be held soon to determine Israel’s official response.

Ben-Gvir and Smotrich both dismissed the sanctions on social media. Smotrich claimed he was inaugurating a new settlement when he received news of the travel bans. Ben-Gvir made a reference to overcoming past obstacles, suggesting this would be no different.

The sanctions come amid growing criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Human rights groups and Western governments have expressed concern over high civilian casualties, restricted humanitarian aid, and the impact of settlement expansion on any future peace process.

Israeli opposition leader Benny Gantz said he strongly disagrees with the two ministers but also called the sanctions a mistake, warning that they could be misinterpreted by hostile groups.

The International Criminal Court has also taken steps against Israel’s leadership. Netanyahu faces an arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza, although he denies all accusations and claims the court is biased.

Human rights lawyer Eitay Mack called the sanctions a historic moment. He said they represent a break in the long-standing immunity enjoyed by Israeli politicians who support settler violence.

Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war. More than 100 settlements have been established in the West Bank, housing over 500,000 Israelis. These settlements are considered illegal under international law by most countries.

Around 3 million Palestinians live in the West Bank under Israeli military control. The expansion of settlements is seen by Palestinians and many in the international community as a major obstacle to peace.

This move by New Zealand and its allies signals a shift in how the international community is willing to respond to Israeli government actions that are viewed as damaging to long-term peace efforts.