Report: UK Moves Toward Dramatic Decision Against Netanyahu Government

Britain is reportedly considering unprecedented diplomatic sanctions against two senior Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, in response to Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza, according to a Thursday report by The New York Times.

The proposed move has been under review for months, dating back to the previous Conservative government led by Rishi Sunak, but has gained momentum in recent weeks under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Officials in London have been weighing the move as international criticism of Israel’s actions intensifies, with the UK aligning itself with European partners calling for increased humanitarian access to Gaza and an immediate ceasefire.

Murders in Washington Delay Decision

However, a recent high-profile incident, the murder of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington, D.C., is said to have caused the British government to reconsider the timing of such a decision. According to the report, the attack, carried out by a pro-Palestinian gunman, has complicated the internal calculus in London over whether now is the right moment to escalate tensions with Jerusalem.

Despite these concerns, pressure is mounting inside the Labour government to take decisive action. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has sharply criticized Israel’s conduct in Gaza, announcing the freezing of trade talks and condemning past remarks made by Smotrich as “extremist, dangerous, and repugnant.”

Ministers Under Scrutiny

Both Ben Gvir, Minister of National Security, and Smotrich, Minister of Finance, have drawn sharp condemnation in the UK and across Europe for inflammatory rhetoric and hardline policies. Sanctioning sitting Israeli cabinet members would mark a dramatic rupture in British-Israeli relations and could trigger diplomatic backlash.

While no final decision has been made, British officials are reportedly waiting to see whether Israel expands humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Progress on that front could delay or mitigate the imposition of targeted sanctions. However, should Israel continue its current operations, including Operation “Iron Swords”, without securing a hostage deal, sanctions are likely to proceed.

Palestinian State Recognition Also Under Discussion

Alongside the debate over sanctions, the UK is internally debating whether to join countries like Spain, Norway, and Ireland in formally recognizing a Palestinian state. France is reportedly considering a similar step.

The British diplomatic establishment appears divided. The Foreign Office favors a more assertive stance, while the Prime Minister’s Office is reportedly more cautious, concerned with maintaining alignment with the U.S. and avoiding long-term damage to the bilateral relationship with Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly criticized European pressure on Israel. In response to a joint UK-France-Canada ceasefire statement, he declared:

Even Germany, once among Israel’s most reliable allies, has voiced reservations about the ongoing military campaign. President Donald Trump, a past staunch supporter of Netanyahu, has also shown signs of frustration with the Israeli government’s approach.