Ex-UK FM had planned sanctions on far-right Israel Ministers Ben-Gvir, Smotrich

Former British Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, announced that he had intended to impose sanctions on two extremist members of the Israeli government due to their support for violent settlers and their calls to restrict aid to Gaza.

In an interview with the BBC, Cameron expressed his disappointment that the Labour government had not taken up this measure against Israel’s far-right Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir.

He noted that he refrained from implementing the sanctions in the spring after receiving advice suggesting it would be too politically sensitive during the general election.

These comments, according to The Guardian, may increase pressure on Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, to clarify whether he abandoned a developed plan and the reasons behind it.

The proposed sanctions also included an asset freeze and travel ban targeting Israel’s Smotrich and Ben-Gvir.

Cameron, further on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, stating, “Smotrich and Gvir had said things like encouraging people to stop aid convoys getting into Gaza and encouraging extreme settlers in the West Bank with the appalling things they have been carrying out.”

He emphasised the importance of informing Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, that “when ministers in your government who are extremists and behave in this way we are prepared to use our sanctions regime to say this is simply not good enough and simply has to stop.”

However, Cameron also criticised the Labour government’s decision to suspend some arms sales to Israel, claiming “Israel needs to defend itself.” He said, “There were other things we could do to put pressure on Netanyahu and say: ‘Of course, we respect your right to self-defence but we do want you to act within the law.’”

Britain announced in September it would block 30 licences for a range of items including components used in military aircraft, helicopters and drones following a government review that found possible breaches of international humanitarian law by Israel.

Some British politicians and human rights groups said the new restrictions were too limited and the government should enforce a total ban on arms transfers.

Israel’s offensive has levelled much of the enclave of 2.3 million people, and the Gaza Health Ministry says more than 42,300 Palestinians have been killed. Displaced people are living in dire conditions with a hunger crisis.

Thousands in Britain have taken part in protests for months to call on the government to restrict arms sales to Israel.

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