Tensions between some of the world’s closest allies are flaring up, and at the heart of it is a disagreement over how to respond to the ongoing devastation in Gaza.
While the UK and a handful of other Western nations have taken a bold step by imposing sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, the United States is not on board—and it’s making that crystal clear.
The Sanctions That Started It All
The UK, alongside Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway, announced sanctions against Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
These measures include a travel ban and asset freezes, targeting them for what British Foreign Secretary David Lammy described as a months-long pattern of inciting violence against Palestinians and encouraging serious human rights violations.
“These two individuals have been repeatedly fueling hostility,” Lammy said, highlighting their inflammatory rhetoric and policies.
America Pushes Back—Hard
But Washington isn’t impressed. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stern statement condemning the move.
In a late-night post on X (formerly Twitter), Rubio said the sanctions do nothing to help reach a ceasefire or secure the release of hostages still held by Hamas.
He argued that such actions could actually undermine efforts to end the conflict.
“The United States condemns these sanctions,” Rubio wrote, stressing that Hamas—not Israeli ministers—remains the primary threat.
“We reject any notion of equivalence,” he added.
“Hamas is a terrorist group that has committed atrocities and continues to hold innocent civilians hostage.”
Rubio made it clear that the US wants these sanctions reversed and reaffirmed America’s unwavering support for Israel.
Who Are Ben-Gvir and Smotrich?
The two ministers at the center of the controversy—Ben-Gvir and Smotrich—are known for their far-right views and hold influential roles in Israel’s government.
Smotrich, who oversees the country’s finances, has actively campaigned against humanitarian aid entering Gaza and has been a strong advocate for expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which many in the international community deem illegal.
Meanwhile, Ben-Gvir, Israel’s national security minister, has gone even further—calling for the resettlement of Palestinians out of Gaza altogether, a stance that’s drawn widespread condemnation.
UK’s Message: This Is Personal, Not Political
The UK has tried to make a distinction in its move.
According to Downing Street, the sanctions are aimed at the individuals themselves—not the ministries they serve in.
A spokesperson even pointed out that, based on recent interviews with Israel’s ambassador to the UK, these ministers’ public remarks don’t always reflect official Israeli policy.
A United Front—Except for the US
In a joint statement with the other countries backing the sanctions, Foreign Secretary Lammy made clear that the group stands firm.
The statement called the actions of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich “unacceptable” and reaffirmed a collective goal: to push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, a significant boost in humanitarian aid, and a renewed path toward a two-state solution.
What’s Next?
With the US digging in its heels and close allies going their own way, this episode reveals the growing cracks in how the West approaches the Israel-Gaza crisis.
Will Washington’s pressure lead to a reversal? Or are we seeing the emergence of a more divided Western front when it comes to Middle East diplomacy?
The diplomatic juggling act continues—and the world is watching closely.