Canada imposes fourth round of sanctions on facilitators of extremist settler violence against civilians in West Bank
News release
June 10, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Extremist Settler Violence) Regulations.
This round of sanctions lists two individuals for their crucial role in facilitating the significant expansion of settlements and outposts in the West Bank, offering political cover to perpetrators of settler violence, and actively contributing to a more permissive environment for higher levels of harassment and violence by Israeli extremist settlers against Palestinian civilians.
Extremist settler violence is leading to greater destabilization in the West Bank, resulting in the forced displacement of Palestinian communities, and increasingly threatening the viability of a two-state solution, as well as regional peace and security.
Today’s sanctions are in coordination with the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, and are in response to the recent escalation of violence by Israeli extremist settlers and affiliates against Palestinian civilians and their property in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, contributing to insecurity for both Palestinians and Israelis.
The two individuals are the following:
- Itamar Ben-Gvir
- Bezalel Smotrich
The measures announced today 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. Canada continues to oppose the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and is committed to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
These measures focus on the West Bank, but of course this cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza. Canada continues 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. Canada will continue to work with the Israeli Government and a range of partners. Canada will strive to ensure an immediate ceasefire, the release now of the remaining hostages and for the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid including food. Canada wants to see a reconstructed Gaza, where Hamas can play no part, and ultimately a political pathway to a two-state solution.
Quotes
“With today’s sanctions, we are sending a clear message that the continued expansion of settlements and acts of extremist settler violence in the West Bank are unacceptable and pose serious obstacles to peace and the realization of a two-state solution. We resolutely stand with the Israeli and Palestinian peoples and their right to live in peace and security, with dignity and without fear.”
- Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
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On May 16, 2024, Canada introduced the Special Economic Measures (Extremist Settler Violence) Regulations. In addition to the measures announced today, Canada implemented 3 rounds of sanctions in May 2024, June 2024, and February 2025, listing 15 individuals and 7 entities for their role in extremist settler violence.
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The United Nations reported that since October 7, 2023, there have been at least 1,800 attacks by settlers against Palestinians.
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Canada does not recognize permanent Israeli control over the territories occupied in 1967.
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The 1949 Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (Fourth Geneva Convention) applies in the occupied territories, including Gaza, and establishes Israel’s obligations as an occupying power, particularly with respect to the humane treatment of the inhabitants of the occupied territories.
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As referred to in UN Security Council resolutions 446 (1979) and 465 (1980), Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. The settlements also constitute a serious obstacle to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.
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Associated links
- Joint statement from the leaders of Canada, the United Kingdom and France on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank
- Canada and West Bank and the Gaza Strip
- Canadian policy on key issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
- Canadian Sanctions Related to Extremist Settler Violence in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem (occupied Palestinian territories/oPt)
Contacts
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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