U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reviewing these actions after Smotrich suggested that starving civilians in Gaza could be justified, and Ben-Gvir praised those involved in settler violence in the West Bank as heroes.
Earlier, former UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron revealed that he had planned to sanction these officials before the Conservative Party lost the election in July. Starmer called the comments "unacceptable" and is now weighing the possibility of sanctions.
Despite this, both Smotrich and Ben-Gvir remain steadfast in their positions. Ben-Gvir declared that the sanctions do not intimidate him, while Smotrich vowed that no threat would prevent him from acting in Israel's national interest.
These developments come as the U.K., alongside France and Algeria, prepares for a UN Security Council meeting to address Gaza's worsening humanitarian crisis. The current U.K. government under Starmer has taken a firmer stance on Israel, limiting some arms exports and sanctioning certain Israeli settler groups.
Both Ben-Gvir and Smotrich advocate for expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. In parliament, Starmer stressed the need for Israel to minimize civilian casualties, allow more aid into Gaza, and support the work of UN humanitarian agencies.
The U.S. has also warned that Israel could face restrictions on military aid if the humanitarian situation in Gaza does not improve. Israel's UN envoy has assured that aid will reach those in need.
