Israeli ministers call for sanctions on Britain over Falklands

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for the expulsion of the British ambassador to Israel, labeling the UK government "antisemitic" and accusing it of attacking Jews and the State of Israel. Smotrich stated that "The British Mandate in the Land of Israel is over."

His comments came after reports emerged that the UK plans to announce a ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also reacted to the news, suggesting that Israel should recognize the Falkland Islands as "Argentine territory under occupation" and impose sanctions on Britain.

Ben Gvir wrote on X that "The British are not content with merely occupying the territory; they also carry out oil drilling there and steal the money from the Argentine people." He called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to recognize Argentina's sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands and to impose sanctions on Great Britain as long as the occupation continues.

Argentina and the UK both assert sovereignty over the South Atlantic archipelago, but the vast majority of the territory's residents back British rule. Last week, Argentinian President Javier Milei declared that Argentina's national sovereignty had been "violated" and that his country would defend its interests "tooth and nail, no matter who it bothers." Milei threatened sanctions on oil firms that seek to drill around the Falkland Islands.

US President Donald Trump suggested last week he would not back Britain if Argentina were to invade the Falkland Islands. The comments by Ben Gvir and Smotrich are understood to come in response to Britain's plans to unveil a raft of policies targeting Israeli settlements on Tuesday, including a trade ban. Last week, the Israeli government threatened Britain with retaliation, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar warning: "If Britain acts against Israel, Israel will act against Britain."