Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (L) and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich
EA on WION: Israel’s Death Threat to Every Gazan
In a 12-minute discussion, I joined South Africa’s Radio Islam International on Wednesday morning to evaluate the announcement by five countries — the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway — of sanctions against Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
I explain the measures over the statements by Smotrich and Ben-Gvir calling for the starvation as well as military attacks on civilians in Gaza, as well as their endorsement of an expanded occupation of the West Bank with violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.
But I assess how these steps are “low-hanging fruit”, rather than steps likely to curb Israel’s open-ended war on Gaza. I express doubt whether Western countries will pursue more significant measures such as a cutoff of military aid or recognition of a Palestinian state.
If real accountability was the goal, the entire Israeli government would face sanctions.
These steps on their own are not going to stop the Israelis from either starving or killing Gazans from the sky, while expanding occupation of the territory.
I also consider the Trump Administration’s position, effectively giving a “blank check” to Israel’s violence and blockade of humanitarian assistance.
