Portrait of Bezalel Smotrich
Politician · policy
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Bezalel Smotrich on Sanctions

Opposes settler sanctions (strong)

TL;DR

Bezalel Smotrich strongly opposes foreign sanctions against Israeli settlers and has taken action to counter their economic impact.

Key Points

  • He directed Israeli banks in June 2025 not to obey European Union sanctions targeting settlers.

  • The Finance Ministry moved to end a waiver allowing Palestinian banks to transact with Israeli counterparts in response to Western sanctions.

  • The United Kingdom sanctioned him and another minister in 2024 for inciting violence in the West Bank.

Summary

Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's Finance Minister, has taken a firm stance against international sanctions imposed on Israeli individuals, particularly those settled in the West Bank. His core position is one of direct opposition, viewing such measures as unjustified interference in Israeli sovereignty and internal matters. In response to punitive actions, such as those taken by the United Kingdom and others targeting ministers and individuals over settler violence, he has announced measures intended to mitigate the economic fallout on the Palestinian economy. He has directed that Israeli banks should not obey European Union decisions to sanction individuals over West Bank violence.

This reaction included moves by the Finance Ministry to potentially paralyze parts of the Palestinian economy by ending a waiver that allowed Palestinian banks to transact with Israeli banks. This action was framed as a response to what he perceived as harmful Western measures, though it risked significant economic damage to Palestinians. The minister's actions emphasize his commitment to defending those targeted by sanctions and using his economic levers to push back against international pressure.

Key Quotes

“We are deepening our roots in all parts of the Land of Israel and burying the idea of a Palestinian state”,

Frequently Asked Questions

Bezalel Smotrich is strongly opposed to international sanctions imposed against Israeli individuals, particularly settlers in the West Bank. He views these measures as an infringement on Israeli sovereignty and has actively worked to counteract their effects. His response has included directives to Israeli financial institutions regarding compliance with foreign sanctions.

In response to sanctions, Bezalel Smotrich directed Israeli banks not to comply with European Union decisions targeting settlers. Furthermore, his ministry moved to end a crucial banking waiver, a step that threatened to paralyze the Palestinian economy. He framed these counter-measures as necessary pushes back against international pressure.

Yes, Bezalel Smotrich was one of the Israeli ministers sanctioned by the United Kingdom for inciting violence in the West Bank. The UK acted alongside partners in June 2024 to impose these measures. He has publicly resisted the legitimacy of such punitive actions against him and his colleagues.