SIR Keir Starmer yesterday doubled down on sanctioning Israeli ministers, despite being savagely rapped by the US.
Donald Trump’s administration hit out at Britain after the PM broke with tradition and imposed a travel ban and asset freeze on two far-right members of Israel’s government, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s national security minister, was sanctioned by Britain[/caption]
Bezalel Smotrich also had his assets frozen and a travel ban imposed[/caption]
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio slammed the PM’s sanctions on two Israeli ministers[/caption]
In a scathing attack on the move, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the sanctions “do not advance American efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home and end the war”.
Mr Rubio warned Britain “not to forget who the real enemy is”.
The US ambassador to the UK said he “fully supported” Mr Rubio’s slap down and warned the PM against “impeding constructive dialogue”.
Ben-Gvir, who is pushing to annex the West Bank and wants to permanently expel Palestinians from Gaza, said: “The American administration is a moral compass in the face of the confusion of some Western countries that choose to appease terrorist organizations like Hamas.
“Israel is not afraid — we will continue to fight terrorism.
“History will judge the Chamberlains of our time.”
At PMQs Sir Keir defended the sanctions as a bid to “uphold human rights and defend the prospect of a two-state solution”.
The PM said: “Acting alongside our allies, we have sanctioned individuals responsible for inciting appalling settler violence and expansion.
“We will continue to support all efforts to secure a ceasefire, the release of all hostages despicably held by Hamas and the humanitarian aid that needs to surge in.
Sir Kier Starmer stood by the sanctions[/caption]
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