The United Kingdom’s decision this week to impose personal sanctions on two Israeli cabinet ministers, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, is a grave error – not only strategically, but morally. In concert with Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, Britain claims this move defends human rights and opposes settler violence. In truth, it represents a striking double standard, a capitulation to domestic partisan pressures, and even a step towards decreased relevance on the international stage.
The UK is posturing for domestic political gain
The contrast between Britain’s treatment of Israeli ministers and its posture towards the enablers of terrorism is glaring. Palestinian Authority officials who openly glorify terrorism and finance convicted terrorists face no such measures. The PA continues to operate its notorious pay-for-slay programme, distributing monthly stipends to convicted terrorists and to the families of those killed while attacking Israelis – a policy repeatedly defended by president Mahmoud Abbas himself.
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