The Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Extremist Settler Violence) Regulations, registered as SOR/2025-137 introduce targeted sanctions against two Israeli government officials implicated in extremist settler violence in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt). This action follows the Canadian government’s determination, made under the Special Economic Measures Act, that the violent activities by extremist Israeli settlers in the oPt constitute a grave breach of international peace and security, contributing to a serious international crisis. The Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has accordingly amended the existing regulations to include these two officials, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Yoel Smotrich, both current Cabinet ministers, citing their involvement in facilitating, supporting, funding, or otherwise contributing to extremist settler violence targeting Palestinian civilians and their property.

Extremist settler violence has been a persistent and escalating issue within the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The problem has intensified notably since the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, with reports from the United Nations documenting over 1,800 attacks by extremist settlers against Palestinians between January 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. These attacks have involved various forms of violence, including physical and verbal assaults, use of weapons, property destruction, theft, trespassing, destruction of farmland—particularly olive orchards—and obstruction of humanitarian aid, among others.

This surge in violence has been linked to ultra-nationalist political actors within Israel who aggressively promote the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and, in some cases, Gaza. These actors publicly endorse and enable extremist settler activities that destabilize the region and threaten the viability of a two-state solution. Canada’s amendments to the Special Economic Measures Regulations reflect a condemnation of these actions, emphasizing the Canadian government’s longstanding opposition to settler violence, forced displacement, and settlement expansion in the occupied territories.

The legal basis for Canada’s sanctions is grounded in international law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, which applies in occupied territories and mandates Israel’s obligations as an occupying power to ensure the humane treatment of the inhabitants of these territories. Consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 446 and 465, and Canada’s long-standing policy, all Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are considered violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention.

Through these measures, Canada aims to condemn the violent actions of extremist settlers, deter further attacks against Palestinian civilians, and reinforce its policy opposition to settlement expansion and forced displacement in the oPt. These sanctions are part of a broader effort by Canada and its allies to promote peace, security, and respect for international law in a region beset by long-standing conflict and recent escalations in violence.

Canada (137/2025) August 12, 2025
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