Ottawa, Ontario – Canada today announced its fourth round of sanctions targeting facilitators of extremist settler violence against civilians in the West Bank. The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Extremist Settler Violence) Regulations, specifically listing two individuals: Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
In a joint statement coordinated with the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, Global Affairs Canada stated that these individuals are being sanctioned for their “crucial role in facilitating the significant expansion of settlements and outposts in the West Bank,” and for “inciting violence against Palestinians.” The statement highlighted that extremist settler violence is leading to increased destabilization, forced displacement of Palestinian communities, and poses a threat to the viability of a two-state solution and regional peace.
The measures, while focusing on the West Bank, are framed within the broader context of the “catastrophe in Gaza.” Canada reiterated its condemnation of the October 7 Hamas attacks and maintained its “unwavering support for Israel’s security.” However, it also expressed being “appalled by the immense suffering of civilians, including the denial of essential aid” in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of remaining hostages, and unhindered humanitarian aid. Canada continues to oppose the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and remains committed to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East, with a reconstructed Gaza where Hamas plays no part and a political pathway to a two-state solution.
This latest round of sanctions builds on three previous rounds implemented in May 2024, June 2024, and February 2025, which listed 15 individuals and 7 entities. The UN has reported over 1,800 settler attacks against Palestinians since October 7, 2023.
In other Canadian political news:
- Bloc Québécois Motion: Bloc Québécois MPs Christine Normandin and Jean-Denis Garon held a news conference on Parliament Hill to present their party’s opposition day motion.
- NATO Defence Spending: While the formal announcement was yesterday, federal ministers today commented ahead of a Cabinet meeting on Canada’s commitment to reach the NATO defence spending target of 2% of GDP by March 2026. This comes after Prime Minister Mark Carney’s pledge at the Fort York Armoury in Toronto on Monday.