In the midst of a growing push to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s far‑right ministers have found themselves under increasing scrutiny from the international community. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir, both key figures in Netanyahu’s coalition, were recently hit with travel bans and asset freezes by several Western governments.
Smotrich, who controls the Israeli budget and several institutions in the occupied West Bank, has long championed the expansion of illegal settlements. His hardline stance has been blamed for a rise in settler violence across the territory. Ben‑Gvir, a convicted inciter of terrorism, has used his position to push for the annexation and ethnic cleansing of Gaza, calling for the removal of Hamas if the United States’ proposed plan to release captives is implemented.
Both ministers have been vocal supporters of Israel’s war in Gaza, threatening to withdraw their backing if the government appears to falter under international pressure over civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns. In September 2025, Ben‑Gvir warned that the government could collapse if Hamas remained in existence after the release of prisoners.
While the opposition seeks to form a unity government with former Chief of Staff Benny Gantz, Smotrich and Ben‑Gvir have openly opposed such a coalition. Ben‑Gvir even suggested that Netanyahu could choose between himself and Gantz to “save Israel,” a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Western leaders. Smotrich has warned his ultra‑Orthodox allies that he will “dump them” if they negotiate with Gantz, threatening to use their votes to oust Netanyahu.
The sanctions imposed in June 2025 by Ireland, the Netherlands and other countries signal a growing international effort to curb the influence of hard‑right elements in Israel’s government. Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin described the measures as a necessary step to counter the ministers’ extremist policies.
Source: Al Jazeera
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