Former British foreign minister David Cameron revealed to the BBC that the previous UK administration had intended to impose individual sanctions on Ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. However, those plans were disrupted due to the change in government following the British elections.
In his interview, Cameron expressed his belief that the current British government should similarly take action against both Israeli ministers. He stated, “Smotrich and Ben Gvir said things like encouraging people to stop aid convoys going into Gaza, they have encouraged extreme settlers in the West Bank with the appalling things they have been carrying out,” referring to their provocative statements and actions.
Cameron also discussed broader strategies for pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, suggesting a balanced approach. “I think there are other things we can do to put pressure on Netanyahu, and tell him, ‘Of course we respect your right to self-defense, but we do want you to act within the requirements of international law.’ To tell Netanyahu, ‘Yes, we support your right to self-defense, no – we are not going to stop the sale of our weapons, but actually when there are ministers in your government who are extreme and act like this, we are ready to use sanctions to say that this is simply not good enough and needs to stop.'”
Cameron went on to critique Israel’s current administration. “I’m afraid that nothing has happened since I was Foreign Secretary, and the British government needs to look again at this issue of sanctions. We all want to see this conflict end, but it must end in a sustainable way. It is correct to back up Israel’s right to self-defense, but it is not a blank check, it is not unconditional,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Furthermore, Cameron highlighted the importance of humanitarian efforts in the region, adding, “It is important that aid enters Gaza and that the peacekeeping force in Lebanon be respected.” He also mentioned that the proposed sanctions would have included freezing assets and banning the ministers from entering the UK.
{Matzav.com}