Share this @internewscast.com

“The British, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, and Norwegians have made a grave mistake. Allies do not impose sanctions on each other, even when there are disagreements,” Smotrich told the Jerusalem Post on Wednesday in his first interview since the announcement.
“This crosses a red line.”
The participating countries have said that the Magnitsky-style sanctions, which impose travel bans and financial freezes on the two ministers, are “personal” and not against the Israeli government more broadly.

However, Smotrich dismissed that differentiation, stating to the Jerusalem Post that his choices “are made on behalf of Israel, with the state supporting them,” thus any action against him essentially equates to penalizing the citizens he serves.

Why was Smotrich sanctioned?

The statement announcing the sanctions accused Smotrich and Ben-Gvir of inciting “extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights” and referred to rhetoric the pair had engaged in advocating for “the forced displacement of Palestinians”.
Although it did not offer specific examples, the pair, who are from the far-right of Israeli politics and serve as powerbrokers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, have long advocated for the creation of new Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
They also have a history of making dehumanising and controversial statements about Palestinians.

What has Israel said about the sanctions?

Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar 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.
Israel’s ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon said it was an “entirely unacceptable” decision.
“Serious questions must be asked about the motives behind the timing of this announcement,” he said.
The move was has also been criticised by United States secretary of state Marco Rubio, who said it does not “advance US-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire”.
In an interview with the ABC, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the response from the US and Israel as “predictable” and said that while Australia supports Israel’s rights to “live within secure borders”, it “must comply with international concerns and international law”.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Chalmers Suggests Australian Recognition of Palestine is Inevitable Following Canada’s Decision

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said Australia’s recognition of a Palestinian state is a…
Athan Boursinos, 21, was gunned down in a Wollert laneway on Thursday morning.

Identity Revealed of Young Man Fatally Shot in Daring Melbourne Alley Attack

The young man who was shot in a broad daylight assassination in…

Efforts to Bridge the Gap Fall Short in Boosting Child Development and Lowering Suicide Rates

New data shows “significant deserts” and service gaps are contributing to worsening…

Trump Warns Canada’s Palestinian State Recognition May Complicate Trade Deal

US President Donald Trump has expressed disapproval of Canada’s plan to acknowledge…
The Wiggles' modern lineup, including Anthony Field (left) and the first woman of colour in the main cast Tsehay Hawkins (right).

Wiggles Opposed YouTube’s Under-16 Social Media Ban, According to Wells

Communications Minister Anika Wells revealed that The Wiggles advocated against the government’s…
Police examining bone in decades-old Adelaide Oval abduction case

Authorities Investigating Bone Linked to Adelaide Oval Abduction Case from Decades Ago

There’s been a notable development in the investigation regarding the abduction of…
Government won't be 'intimidated' by social media giants after landmark under-16 ban

Government Stands Firm Against Social Media Giants Following Historic Ban on Under-16s

The federal government has issued a warning to social media companies, stating…
Sam Groth's wife publicly slams 'despicable' reporting on personal relationship

Sam Groth’s Wife Criticizes ‘Deplorable’ Coverage of Their Personal Relationship

The wife of deputy Victorian Liberal leader Sam Groth has released a…
Australian Federal Police acting assistant commissioner Brett James.

Sites where Sydney childcare worker charged was employed disclosed

A Sydney man has been accused of using his position as a…
Investigators find US Army helicopter was flying too high during deadly collision

Investigators Reveal US Army Helicopter Was at Excessive Altitude During Fatal Crash

U.S. investigators examining the January midair collision of a passenger plane and…
Man shot dead by police after allegedly attacking his sister with samurai sword

Police Fatally Shoot Man Who Allegedly Attacked Sister with Samurai Sword

A man allegedly attacked his sister with a sword, resulting in her…
(L-R) Jack Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne

Birmingham Bids a Heartfelt Goodbye to Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne returned to the “home of metal” for the last time…