Canada sanctions Israeli cabinet ministers

The Canadian government announced today its fourth round of sanctions targeting individuals deemed responsible for destabilizing activities in the West Bank.

These measures specifically impact key members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet, including Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.

This action follows months of persistent advocacy from organizations such as the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), who have welcomed the decision as a crucial step towards accountability, while emphasizing that further comprehensive action is needed for the situation in Gaza.

The sanctions, imposed under Canada's Special Economic Measures (Extremist Settler Violence) Regulations, target individuals who have played a crucial role in expanding settlements and outposts in the West Bank and fostering an environment that enables violence against Palestinian civilians.

These measures come in direct response to the escalating violence perpetrated by Israeli extremist settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank.

"These sanctions send a clear message: war crimes will not be tolerated,” stated Stephen Brown, CEO of the National Council of Canadian Muslims, in a press statement released today.

Brown further asserted that "People like Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have not only led acts of hatred and violence, but openly called for genocide."

Canada's decision is part of a coordinated effort with international partners, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, reflecting a shared concern over the escalating tensions.

The Canadian government's stated aims for these actions are to address the destabilization in the West Bank, safeguard the viability of a two-state solution, and promote broader regional peace and security.

For an extended period, the NCCM, alongside various human rights organizations, has urged Canadian officials to take concrete steps in response to the ongoing situation.

The NCCM attributes today's sanctions to their strong advocacy efforts and the widespread mobilization of Canadians demanding justice for Palestinian civilians impacted by violence and suffering.

Despite welcoming the sanctions, the NCCM underscores that this is a critical first step, and continued efforts are necessary.

“We will continue to push for consistent and principled Canadian foreign policy and justice," Brown added, indicating ongoing advocacy for broader measures concerning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

For more details on the sanctions, refer to the official Canadian government release: Canada Imposes Fourth Round of Sanctions on Facilitators of Extremist Settler Violence Against Civilians in West Bank