Smotrich and Ben-Gvir demand UK sanctions and envoy expulsion as trade ban looms

Ben-Gvir, Smotrich call for retaliation as UK sanctions illegal settlements in occupied West Bank. (Photo/AP)

Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have demanded that Israel sanction Great Britain, expel its ambassador, and recognise Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, as the UK government prepares to announce a formal ban on trade with illegal settlements in occupied Palestinian territory.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the immediate ejection of the UK's ambassador to Israel, writing on X: "Expel the British ambassador tonight! We will not be a trampled doormat of an antisemitic government. The British Mandate in the Land of Israel is over".

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted on X in Spanish, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to retaliate by recognising Argentina's claim to the Falkland Islands: "It is time for the State of Israel to publicly recognise that the Malvinas Islands are Argentine territory under occupation, which the British violently steal from the Argentine people".

Miliband's trade ban and diplomatic fallout

The escalation comes as British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband prepares to address MPs on Tuesday to announce what he described as a broad reset of UK relations with Israel.

The measures will impose a UK ban on trade in goods and certain services—including financing and advertising—originating from illegal West Bank settlements, in line with the International Court of Justice's 2024 advisory opinion.

Miliband is also set to reassert British support for a two-state solution and call out humanitarian injustices in Gaza, standing by earlier statements that the Israeli military placed unnecessary restrictions on aid.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry rejected those claims at the weekend, whilst US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee accused the Labour government of being gripped by antisemitism.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham briefed US President Donald Trump and key regional allies on Monday regarding the measures, which the Trump administration strongly opposes.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar warned that "if Britain acts against Israel, Israel will act against Britain," signalling deepening diplomatic rifts.

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Source: TRT