U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a sharp condemnation overnight of the recent sanctions imposed on Israeli cabinet ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich by five Western nations. In a statement released late Tuesday, Rubio criticized the move by the United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, New Zealand, and Australia, arguing that such measures harm international efforts to reach a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages.
“These sanctions do not advance U.S.-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home, and end the war,” Rubio stated.
Hamas Is a Terror Organization
Rubio, who was recently appointed Secretary of State under President Donald Trump, took to X (formerly Twitter) to expand on his remarks: “The United States condemns the sanctions… on two sitting members of the Israeli cabinet.
“We reject any notion of equivalence: Hamas is a terrorist organization that committed unspeakable atrocities, continues to hold innocent civilians hostage, and prevents the people of Gaza from living in peace.”
He urged the international community to stay focused on the true priorities: reaching a ceasefire, freeing the hostages, and ending the war—not imposing sanctions that weaken the pro-Israel camp.
Sanctions: Asset Freezes and Travel Bans
As reported, the five countries issued a joint statement announcing sanctions against Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Measures include freezing any assets under their jurisdictions, travel bans, disqualification from serving on corporate boards, and prohibitions on financial dealings with banks and institutions.
The nations justified the move by alleging that the Ministers have incited and supported violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Israeli Response is Defiant
The Israeli response was swift and defiant. Minister Ben Gvir dismissed the move with a biblical allusion, saying: “We survived Pharaoh, we’ll survive Keir Starmer too”, in reference to the British Prime Minister. Smotrich added: “Shame on the White Paper,” invoking the infamous British policy to restrict Jewish immigration to Mandatory Palestine. Smotrich also noted the sanctions had no personal effect on him, stating: “I don’t own any assets abroad.”
U.S. Backs Israel: “Shoulder to Shoulder”
Rubio ended his statement with a strong show of solidarity: “The United States urges the reversal of the sanctions and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel.”
