Former UK Leader Cameron Reveals Sanction Plans Against Israeli Ministers as Current PM Starmer Weighs Similar Actions

David Cameron discusses his intentions to impose sanctions on Israeli officials with Sky News, mentioning that he contemplated actions against politicians Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir prior to the general election, as Starmer evaluates a similar strategy.

By Alix Culbertson and Faye Brown, political correspondents

Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 5:

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David Cameron revealed to Sky News that he intended to impose sanctions on two Israeli officials during his tenure but "ran out of time" – meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer mentioned he is contemplating similar actions due to their "disturbing" remarks.

During a discussion with Kay Burley, the ex-foreign secretary urged Sir Keir to devise a method to impose sanctions on Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Mr. Smotrich has faced condemnation for implying that denying food aid to Gaza could be "just and moral," while Mr. Ben-Gvir has supported the growth of unauthorized settlements in the West Bank.

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Lord Cameron mentioned that he was considering implementing the sanctions personally prior to the general election.

He expressed to Sky News his view that applying pressure on Israel was a more effective strategy than the partial arms embargo, which was declared by Foreign Secretary David Lammy in September.

Lord Cameron stated, "I considered actions we might take to show the Israelis our support for their right to self-defense… yet, simultaneously, we urge them to adhere to… humanitarian law.

"These two officials have actively worked to halt humanitarian assistance from reaching Gaza and have supported radical settlers in the West Bank in their commission of unlawful activities."

"It appeared to me that it was necessary to consider the possibility of imposing sanctions on these two particular ministers."

Lord Cameron mentioned that he ultimately did not implement the measures due to advice that it would be a considerably political move in the wrong direction, and he also noted that they simply ran out of time.

He noted, "I bring this up as we've witnessed the first 100 days under the new administration, and, in my view, evaluating this period offers a more useful perspective than their approach to the partial arms embargo on Israel. We support Israel's right to self-defense," he stated.

Tune in to Sky News at 6am on Thursday to see Kay Burley's complete interview with David Cameron.

Earlier on Wednesday, Sir Keir informed members of parliament that he was considering the possibility of imposing sanctions on two Israeli ministers.

The Prime Minister stated that the remarks made by Mr. Smotrich and Mr. Ben-Gvir regarding the events in Gaza Strip and the West Bank were "repulsive."

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"He further emphasized the critical humanitarian conditions in Gaza."

Fatalities have now exceeded 42,000, with fundamental amenities increasingly difficult to access.

"Israel is urged to implement every measure to prevent harm to civilians, to facilitate the entry of a significantly larger amount of aid into Gaza, and to ensure that UN humanitarian agencies can function efficiently."

Explore further: Stay updated with real-time coverage of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. 'Life was once beautiful': Reflecting on Gaza's transformation over the past year. A chronological review of the past year's developments in the Middle East conflict

In response to the prime minister's remarks, Mr. Ben-Gvir stated to Israeli reporters that "similar to how the British sought to hinder the formation of a Jewish state prior to its inception, they persist in their efforts even after its creation during a critical time of existential conflict."

He stated that the era of the British Mandate, during which the United Kingdom administered Mandatory Palestine, has ended.

Mr. Ben-Gvir stated, "I am not intimidated, and my actions will solely reflect the paramount national interests of the state of Israel and its citizens."

The UK authorities have declared new sanctions following acts of violence perpetrated by "extremist Israeli settlers" in the West Bank.

Mr. Lammy stated that the sanctions are aimed at three locations and four groups that have facilitated and committed "egregious violations of human rights" against Palestinian populations in the occupied areas.

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The United Kingdom has convened an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza.

Mr. Lammy noted that the availability of essential services is deteriorating, and according to the UN, there has been virtually no food deliveries in the past two weeks.

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