Marco Rubio Condemns UK For Sanctioning Israeli Politicians

Marco Rubio and David Lammy at a meeting of Nato foreign ministers in April.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has condemned the UK’s decision to sanction two Israeli politicians for their “extremist” comments on Gaza.Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich will be subject to a travel ban and asset freeze under the measures announced yesterday by Britain alongside Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway.Both men belong to right-wing parties helping to prop up Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fragile coalition government.Smotrich has campaigned against allowing aid into Gaza, and also supported the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law.Ben-Gvir has called for Gaza’s people to be resettled from the territory.In a joint statement with the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway, foreign secretary David Lammy said: “Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights. These actions are not acceptable. This is why we have taken action now – to hold those responsible to account.”But in a statement issued overnight by the US State Department, Rubio said he “condemns” the move and suggested the UK and its allies were drawing equivalence between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas.“These sanctions do not advance US-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home, and end the war,” he said.“We reject any notion of equivalence: Hamas is a terrorist organisation that committed unspeakable atrocities, continues to hold innocent civilians hostage, and prevents the people of Gaza from living in peace.“We remind our partners not to forget who the real enemy is. The United States urges the reversal of the sanctions and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel.”The move has also been described as “outrageous” by the Israeli government.But defending the sanctions, a No.10 spokesman said: ”Ben-Gvir and Smotrich do not speak for all Israeli people … and have a long history of dangerous extremist and inflammatory views.“As the Israeli ambassador to the UK has said in recent interviews, their statements in their ministerial capacities do not even represent government policy.″Their agenda and actions undermine the interests of Israeli people, including security. Many Israelis see this.”Related...UK Government Sanctions Two Israeli Ministers Over 'Extremist' Gaza CommentsUK Suspends Trade Negotiations With Israel Over 'Indefensible' Actions In Gaza'Indiscriminate, Unrestrained, Brutal': Former Israeli PM Calls Gaza Assault 'War Crimes'

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