US and Israel condemnation of sanctions on ministers is 'predictable', Australia says

FILE PHOTO: Right-wing Knesset members Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich attend a special session at the Knesset Israel's parliament, to approve and swear in a new right-wing government, in Jerusalem December 29, 2022. Reuters/Pool

SYDNEY: Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said condemnation by the US and Israel of sanctions imposed on two far-right Israeli cabinet ministers was "predictable", and that the two men had impeded a two-state solution.

Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Norway in a coordinated action imposed sanctions on Tuesday (June 10) on cabinet ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, accusing them of repeatedly inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.