Latest news with #JewishPower
Middle East Eye
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Israeli politicians split over Iran ceasefire deal
Israeli political figures have responded sharply and at times inconsistently to the ceasefire agreement with Iran, reflecting deep divides within the country's leadership and public discourse. Here's how some key figures reacted: Bezalel Smotrich, finance minister: Praised Israel's gains against Iran and signalled a shift in focus: "Now with all our might to Gaza, to complete the job." Avigdor Liberman, former defence and foreign minister: "The final chord is particularly jarring and bitter. Instead of an unconditional surrender, the world enters into difficult and tedious negotiations, with the ayatollahs' regime having no intention of giving up." Yair Golan, MK, left-wing: Called for a thorough review of the ceasefire deal, stating, "All the hostages must be returned, end the war in Gaza, and stop the regime coup once and for all." Yair Lapid, opposition leader: Urged a pivot to Gaza: "And now Gaza. This is the moment to close there as well. To return the hostages, to end the war. Israel needs to start rebuilding." Limor Son Har-Melech, MK, far-right, Jewish Power party: Rejected the ceasefire, warning: "Without the overthrow of the regime, the threat has not been removed." Tzvi Kreuzer, MK, far-right, Jewish Power party: Opposed any pause in hostilities with Iran: "No to a ceasefire - fire without a break." Itzik Bonsel, right-wing activist: Raised doubts over the government's messaging: "For years it has been said that Iran is an existential threat. Is it possible that after 11 days of fighting, that this threat has been removed? No Israeli official said so."
The Advertiser
10-06-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
West Bank violence: Australia bans 2 Israeli ministers
Australia has issued travel bans and financial sanctions against two high-ranking Israeli government ministers after accusing them of inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the sanctions in a joint statement alongside her counterparts representing the governments of Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom. "(National Security Minister) Itamar Ben-Gvir and (Finance Minister) Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights," the joint statement said. "Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous. "These actions are not acceptable." Mr Ben-Gvir, from the Jewish Power party, and Mr Smotrich, of the Religious Zionism Party, are members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government. Senator Wong said Australia "will continue to work with the Israeli government and a range of partners" to help establish peace in the region. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the sanctions "outrageous" and said his government would hold a meeting early next week to decide how to respond to the "unacceptable decision" made by the five countries. The sanctions relate to the West Bank but the joint statement on Wednesday morning also said "this cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza". "The measures announced today do not deviate from our unwavering support for Israel's security and we continue to condemn the horrific terror attacks of 7 October by Hamas," the joint statement said. "Today's measures are targeted towards individuals who, in our view, undermine Israel's own security and its standing in the world." Australia's sanctions against the ministers took effect just after midnight. The Australian Centre for International Justice said the decision by five countries was a significant step and would send a clear message. "These measures directly respond to the compelling evidence implicating Ben-Gvir and Smotrich in inciting extremist violence and serious human rights violations against Palestinians," the centre's Lara Khider said. with Reuters Australia has issued travel bans and financial sanctions against two high-ranking Israeli government ministers after accusing them of inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the sanctions in a joint statement alongside her counterparts representing the governments of Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom. "(National Security Minister) Itamar Ben-Gvir and (Finance Minister) Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights," the joint statement said. "Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous. "These actions are not acceptable." Mr Ben-Gvir, from the Jewish Power party, and Mr Smotrich, of the Religious Zionism Party, are members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government. Senator Wong said Australia "will continue to work with the Israeli government and a range of partners" to help establish peace in the region. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the sanctions "outrageous" and said his government would hold a meeting early next week to decide how to respond to the "unacceptable decision" made by the five countries. The sanctions relate to the West Bank but the joint statement on Wednesday morning also said "this cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza". "The measures announced today do not deviate from our unwavering support for Israel's security and we continue to condemn the horrific terror attacks of 7 October by Hamas," the joint statement said. "Today's measures are targeted towards individuals who, in our view, undermine Israel's own security and its standing in the world." Australia's sanctions against the ministers took effect just after midnight. The Australian Centre for International Justice said the decision by five countries was a significant step and would send a clear message. "These measures directly respond to the compelling evidence implicating Ben-Gvir and Smotrich in inciting extremist violence and serious human rights violations against Palestinians," the centre's Lara Khider said. with Reuters Australia has issued travel bans and financial sanctions against two high-ranking Israeli government ministers after accusing them of inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the sanctions in a joint statement alongside her counterparts representing the governments of Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom. "(National Security Minister) Itamar Ben-Gvir and (Finance Minister) Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights," the joint statement said. "Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous. "These actions are not acceptable." Mr Ben-Gvir, from the Jewish Power party, and Mr Smotrich, of the Religious Zionism Party, are members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government. Senator Wong said Australia "will continue to work with the Israeli government and a range of partners" to help establish peace in the region. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the sanctions "outrageous" and said his government would hold a meeting early next week to decide how to respond to the "unacceptable decision" made by the five countries. The sanctions relate to the West Bank but the joint statement on Wednesday morning also said "this cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza". "The measures announced today do not deviate from our unwavering support for Israel's security and we continue to condemn the horrific terror attacks of 7 October by Hamas," the joint statement said. "Today's measures are targeted towards individuals who, in our view, undermine Israel's own security and its standing in the world." Australia's sanctions against the ministers took effect just after midnight. The Australian Centre for International Justice said the decision by five countries was a significant step and would send a clear message. "These measures directly respond to the compelling evidence implicating Ben-Gvir and Smotrich in inciting extremist violence and serious human rights violations against Palestinians," the centre's Lara Khider said. with Reuters Australia has issued travel bans and financial sanctions against two high-ranking Israeli government ministers after accusing them of inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the sanctions in a joint statement alongside her counterparts representing the governments of Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom. "(National Security Minister) Itamar Ben-Gvir and (Finance Minister) Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights," the joint statement said. "Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous. "These actions are not acceptable." Mr Ben-Gvir, from the Jewish Power party, and Mr Smotrich, of the Religious Zionism Party, are members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government. Senator Wong said Australia "will continue to work with the Israeli government and a range of partners" to help establish peace in the region. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the sanctions "outrageous" and said his government would hold a meeting early next week to decide how to respond to the "unacceptable decision" made by the five countries. The sanctions relate to the West Bank but the joint statement on Wednesday morning also said "this cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza". "The measures announced today do not deviate from our unwavering support for Israel's security and we continue to condemn the horrific terror attacks of 7 October by Hamas," the joint statement said. "Today's measures are targeted towards individuals who, in our view, undermine Israel's own security and its standing in the world." Australia's sanctions against the ministers took effect just after midnight. The Australian Centre for International Justice said the decision by five countries was a significant step and would send a clear message. "These measures directly respond to the compelling evidence implicating Ben-Gvir and Smotrich in inciting extremist violence and serious human rights violations against Palestinians," the centre's Lara Khider said. with Reuters
West Australian
10-06-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
West Bank violence: Australia bans two Israeli ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich for inciting ‘extremist violence' in West Bank
Australia has issued travel bans and financial sanctions against two high-ranking Israeli government ministers after accusing them of inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the sanctions in a joint statement alongside her counterparts representing the governments of Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom. '(National Security Minister) Itamar Ben-Gvir and (Finance Minister) Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights,' the joint statement said. 'Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous. 'These actions are not acceptable.' Mr Ben-Gvir, from the Jewish Power party, and Mr Smotrich, of the Religious Zionism Party, are members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government. Senator Wong said Australia 'will continue to work with the Israeli government and a range of partners' to help establish peace in the region. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the sanctions 'outrageous' and said his government would hold a meeting early next week to decide how to respond to the 'unacceptable decision' made by the five countries. The sanctions relate to the West Bank but the joint statement on Wednesday morning also said 'this cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza'. 'The measures announced today do not deviate from our unwavering support for Israel's security and we continue to condemn the horrific terror attacks of 7 October by Hamas,' the joint statement said. 'Today's measures are targeted towards individuals who, in our view, undermine Israel's own security and its standing in the world.' Australia's sanctions against the ministers took effect just after midnight. The Australian Centre for International Justice said the decision by five countries was a significant step and would send a clear message. 'These measures directly respond to the compelling evidence implicating Ben-Gvir and Smotrich in inciting extremist violence and serious human rights violations against Palestinians,' the centre's Lara Khider said. with Reuters
Perth Now
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
Australia sanctions Israeli ministers over ‘incitement'
Australia has issued travel bans and financial sanctions against two high-ranking Israeli government ministers after accusing them of inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the sanctions in a joint statement alongside her counterparts representing the governments of Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom. '(National Security Minister) Itamar Ben-Gvir and (Finance Minister) Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights,' the joint statement said. 'Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous. 'These actions are not acceptable.' Mr Ben-Gvir, from the Jewish Power party, and Mr Smotrich, of the Religious Zionism Party, are members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government. Senator Wong said Australia 'will continue to work with the Israeli government and a range of partners' to help establish peace in the region. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the sanctions 'outrageous' and said his government would hold a meeting early next week to decide how to respond to the 'unacceptable decision' made by the five countries. The sanctions relate to the West Bank but the joint statement on Wednesday morning also said 'this cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza'. 'The measures announced today do not deviate from our unwavering support for Israel's security and we continue to condemn the horrific terror attacks of 7 October by Hamas,' the joint statement said. 'Today's measures are targeted towards individuals who, in our view, undermine Israel's own security and its standing in the world.' Australia's sanctions against the ministers took effect just after midnight. The Australian Centre for International Justice said the decision by five countries was a significant step and would send a clear message. 'These measures directly respond to the compelling evidence implicating Ben-Gvir and Smotrich in inciting extremist violence and serious human rights violations against Palestinians,' the centre's Lara Khider said. with Reuters
Sky News
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Who are the two Israeli ministers who have been sanctioned by the UK?
The UK government has sanctioned two prominent Israeli ministers for "inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank". Britain has been joined by Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway in imposing sanctions on Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich - who are opposed to Palestinian statehood and are on the far right of Israeli politics. The ministers are being sanctioned in their personal capacities and are now subject to a freeze on UK assets and director disqualifications, as well as a ban on entering the country. Here we take a look at who they are and why they have been sanctioned. Itamar Ben-Gvir Mr Ben-Gvir is Israel's security minister and the leader of the Jewish Power (Otzma Yehudit) party - one of the members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition. The 49-year-old has previously been convicted of supporting a Jewish terrorist organisation and has supported the removal of Palestinians from their lands - including calling for Gaza's people to be resettled from the territory. The minister has also called for the al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem to be replaced with a synagogue. The mosque - the third-holiest site in Islam - is built atop the Temple Mount - the holiest site in Judaism, and which was once home to two Jewish temples. Mr Smotrich is Israel's finance minister and leader of the National Religious Party-Religious Zionism - which is another part of Mr Netanyahu's coalition. He is in charge of Israel's administration of the West Bank - the occupation of which is illegal under international law. He has also approved an expansion of settlements in the West Bank, and called for aid not to be let into Gaza. Mr Smotrich has recently said not "a grain of wheat" should be allowed to enter Gaza, saying it will be "entirely destroyed" and its people should be encouraged to leave in great numbers to go to other countries. What has the UK and its allies said? In a joint statement with foreign ministers from the four other countries who have announced sanctions, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the two senior Israelis had incited "serious abuses of Palestinian human rights". The statement added: "These actions are not acceptable. This is why we have taken action now - to hold those responsible to account." Meanwhile, a Number 10 spokesman said the sanctions have been applied in the "personal capacities" of the two ministers and "not their ministries and departments". What has Israel said? Mr Smotrich, speaking at the inauguration of a new settlement in the Hebron Hills in the West Bank, spoke of "contempt" for Britain's move. "Britain has already tried once to prevent us from settling the cradle of our homeland, and we cannot do it again. We are determined, God willing, to continue building." Israel's foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar said it was "outrageous" that the UK had sanctioned the two ministers. He also said he had spoken with Mr Netanyahu and that an Israeli response would be decided at a "special government meeting early next week". The countries have used the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020 to designate the ministers "involved persons". What can't they do?
