UK considers sanctions against Israeli ministers
The economic restrictions would target Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over comments they made about civilians in Gaza and settlers’ activities in the occupied West Bank, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said.
Starmer was responding to a question about Smotrich’s comments that starving civilians in Gaza might be justified and Ben-Gvir’s remarks that perpetrators of settler violence in the West Bank were heroes.
“We are looking at that because they’re obviously abhorrent comments,” the prime minister said.
Starmer’s government has taken a slightly tougher line on Israel since it was elected, although it supports Israel’s right to defend itself. It has limited some arms export licences to Israel, saying there was a risk that certain equipment might be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law.
On Tuesday, the UK also announced new sanctions on Israeli settler organisations it said had sponsored violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
Israeli equipment barred from defence show in France
More than a week after French President Emmanuel Macron called for a halt on arms deliveries to Israel, Israeli arms manufacturers have been told they can take part but not exhibit in the Euronaval defence show in Paris next month.
“The French government informed Euronaval of its decision to approve the participation of Israeli delegations at Euronaval 2024 without any stand or exhibition of equipment,” said the organisers of the show, which is due to start on November 4.
The organisers of the biennial event, which attracts naval defence exhibitors from around the world, said seven Israeli companies would be impacted.
“In accordance with the French government’s decision, Israeli companies and citizens who wish to attend will be welcomed at the show under the conditions listed above,” they added.
This month, Macron reiterated his concern over Israel’s yearlong attacks on Gaza, which continue despite repeated calls for a ceasefire, and criticised Netanyahu’s decision to launch a ground offensive into Lebanon.
This week, the two leaders spoke by phone, and Netanyahu reportedly told Macron Israel was “working against the terrorist organisation Hezbollah” so it can no longer threaten its citizens on Israel’s northern border.
Protest in Paris against inaction on Gaza genocide
Thousands of people gathered in Paris to protest the lack of action from French and European leaders against Israel during more than a year of genocide in Gaza. The demonstrators condemned France’s continued arms support to Israel.
