David Cameron has called on the UK to consider imposing sanctions on two Israeli ministers to exert “pressure” on the country to comply with international law.
In an interview with the BBC’s Today program, the former Conservative foreign secretary revealed that he had been “developing” plans to sanction Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir prior to the election.
Cameron described both ministers as “extremist” figures and stated that implementing sanctions would send a clear message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that “this behavior is unacceptable and must cease.”
The BBC has reached out to Smotrich and Ben-Gvir for their responses.
Lord Cameron pointed out that both ministers have made statements encouraging the obstruction of aid convoys into Gaza and have supported extreme settlers in the West Bank, where serious actions have occurred.
Earlier this year, Smotrich suggested that it might be “justified and moral” to starve the people of Gaza and has urged Palestinian residents to leave to make way for Israelis who could “make the desert bloom.”
When asked why the proposed sanctions were not implemented, Lord Cameron, who served as foreign secretary from 2023 to 2024, explained that he had been advised it would be “too much of a political act” during the election period.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has condemned the remarks made by Ben-Gvir and Smotrich as “entirely unacceptable.”
Speaking at a Labour conference event last month, he said: “We are very worried about escalatory behaviour, about inflamed tensions.
“I’m absolutely clear, if we have to act, we will act. I’m in discussions with G7 partners, particularly European partners, on that. I’m not announcing further sanctions today but that is kept under close review.”
Sanctions typically restrict individuals from traveling to certain countries or accessing any funds they may have in those nations.
Tom Keatinge from the Royal United Services Institute think tank told the BBC that imposing sanctions on Ben-Gvir and Smotrich would represent a “significant move” intended to convey a “major political message” to Israel.
He noted, however, that there are “practical issues” involved, as implementing sanctions requires “considerable effort,” and that the Foreign Office’s sanctions director is already “heavily overworked” due to ongoing matters related to Russia.
‘Not a blank cheque’
Lord Cameron argued that the UK government should focus on influencing Israel by imposing restrictions on certain ministers instead of taking the “wrong path” of suspending arms exports.
Last month, the UK government limited arms sales to Israel, citing a “clear risk” that the equipment could be used to commit serious violations of international law.
However, Lord Cameron contended that restricting arms sales to Israel while also providing assistance to protect the country from Iranian attacks “made no sense.”
The former Prime Minister emphasized that everyone wants to see an end to the conflict, but it should be resolved in a “sustainable way.”
He acknowledged that Israel has faced attacks from Hamas in the south and Hezbollah in the north, stating that it is justified to support the country’s right to self-defense.
“But it is not a blank cheque, it is not unconditional,” he said.
“We do want to make sure aid gets through into Gaza, we do want to see the role of the UN in Lebanon to be respected.”