Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has issued a strong warning against potential sanctions by the Biden administration. In response to reports of sanctions being considered for Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Ben-Gvir threatened to dismantle the Palestinian Authority entirely in retaliation. The possible sanctions stem from the Israeli government’s policies in the West Bank and its support for Jewish settlements.
A recent meeting at the White House discussed the sanctions, holding Ben-Gvir and Smotrich responsible for undermining security in Judea and Samaria. Ben-Gvir denounced the potential sanctions, citing them as a violation of Israeli sovereignty. The consideration of sanctions follows the Knesset’s decision to advance settlement construction.
ICJ Ruling
The International Court of Justice’s ruling declaring Israel’s presence in the West Bank and east Jerusalem as illegal has caused controversy. Israeli officials criticized the ruling as politicized and not conducive to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In response to the developments, Israeli ministers have called for sovereignty, with Ben-Gvir labeling the ICJ decision as antisemitic and urging for governance and sovereignty.