In an overnight joint statement announcing travel bans and financial blocks, the Western countries’ foreign ministers said Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich had fuelled settler violence through “extreme rhetoric” and undermined efforts for a two-state solution. “Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights,” the statement said. “Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous. “These actions are not acceptable. “We have engaged the Israeli government on this issue extensively, yet violent perpetrators continue to act with encouragement and impunity.” The foreign ministers called on the Israeli government to “uphold its obligations under international law and we call on it to take meaningful action to end extremist, violent and expansionist rhetoric”. The sanctions took effect on Wednesday and came after the Israeli government announced last month it would build nearly two dozen new settlements in the West Bank along a key highway connecting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. It also said it would legalise some settlements built in the Palestinian territory without the green light from the government. Both Mr Ben-Gvir and Mr Smotrich are also known for their hard line stances on Gaza. Mr Ben-Gvir has backed forced emigration of Palestinians from the war-torn strip. In their statement, the Western foreign ministers said the sanctions “do not deviate from our unwavering support for Israel’s security and we continue to condemn the horrific terror attacks of 7 October by Hamas”. “Today’s measures are targeted towards individuals who in our view undermine Israel’s own security and its standing in the world,” they said. “We continue to want a strong friendship with the people of Israel based on our shared ties, values and commitment to their security and future.” But they added the action “cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza”. “We continue to be appalled by the immense suffering of civilians, including the denial of essential aid,” the foreign ministers said. “There must be no unlawful transfer of Palestinians from Gaza or within the West Bank, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip. “We will continue to work with the Israeli Government and a range of partners. “We will strive to ensure an immediate ceasefire, the release now of the remaining hostages and for the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid including food. “We want to see a reconstructed Gaza no longer run by Hamas and a political pathway to a two-state solution.” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has slammed the move, saying it was “outrageous that elected representatives and members of the government are subjected to this kind of measures”. “I discussed it earlier today with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and we will hold a special government meeting early next week to decide on our response to this unacceptable decision,” Mr Sa’ar told media. The UK foreign secretary, David Lammy described Smotrich’s comments as monstrous and repellant in the Commons a fortnight ago. He, along with the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway, announced the sanctions in a joint statement: “We are steadfastly committed to the two-state solution and will continue to work with our partners towards its implementation. “It is the only way to guarantee security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long-term stability in the region, but it is imperilled by extremist settler violence and settlement expansion. “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. “We will strive to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of the remaining hostages by Hamas, which can have no future role in the governance of Gaza, a surge in aid and a path to a two-state solution. “Today’s measures focus on the West Bank, but of course this cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza. We continue to be appalled by the immense suffering of civilians, including the denial of essential aid. There must be no unlawful transfer of Palestinians from Gaza or within the West Bank, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip.” More to come.