Australia, in coordination with the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway, has imposed Magnitsky-style sanctions on Israel’s national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich. These actions are a response to their roles in inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Since October 2023, Israeli military demolitions and settler violence have displaced over 6,400 Palestinians in the region. An Israeli investigative journalist reported that Ben-Gvir instructed police not to enforce laws against violent settlers.
This marks Australia’s first imposition of sanctions on senior Israeli officials. Previously, in November 2023, Australia sanctioned Hamas and its affiliates following attacks on Israel. In July 2024, sanctions were placed on seven Israeli settlers and one entity for involvement in Palestinian attacks. However, no further sanctions had been applied until now despite ongoing abuses in the West Bank.
Smotrich also serves as a minister within the Defense Ministry and is part of the security cabinet. He has made statements advocating for ethnic cleansing of Gaza. In May, he mentioned that an Israeli victory would mean Gaza being “completely destroyed” with its population leaving for third countries. Similarly, Ben-Gvir suggested encouraging Gazans to migrate globally.
The recent sanctions indicate Australia’s intent to take a more assertive stance but highlight the need for additional measures. Australian authorities are urged to sanction more Israeli officials involved in serious abuses and consider banning trade with illegal West Bank settlements.
In November 2024, arrest warrants were issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant concerning crimes in Gaza. Despite this development, Australia did not join other nations reaffirming support for the ICC after US President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting it.
At this juncture where international law is challenged by senior officials and military forces alike, it is suggested that Australia leverage its position to prevent further atrocities and ensure accountability.
