Ireland on Friday barred Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, condemning what it described as their violent behaviors against pro-Palestinian activists, according to Arab News.
Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has directed immigration authorities to ban the entry of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich if they attempt to travel to Ireland.
Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla
In May, Ben Gvir mocked detained activists seized by Israeli forces aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in a video that has been circulated on social media platforms.
In response, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said Ireland would move to deny entry to Israeli officials considered to be escalating the conflict in Gaza.
This move followed a similar step taken by France when French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on X that Ben Gvir is banned from entering the country, citing what he described as the minister’s “reprehensible actions” toward French and European citizens taking part in the Gaza-bound flotilla.
Ben Gvir and Smotrich are key figures within Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing governing coalition.
Similar Steps
In 2025, the Dutch government also imposed travel bans on two far-right Israeli cabinet ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
The Netherlands accused both of them of repeatedly inciting violence against Palestinians and urging for an “ethnic cleansing” of the Gaza strip.
This initiative comes after similar decisions last month by several countries, including Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway.
Moreover, Slovenia declared both Israeli ministers persona non grata two weeks ago.
The Slovenian government has accused both ministers of making “genocidal statements” and inciting violence against Palestinians.
Related Topics:
Saudi Arabia Blasts Ben-Gvir’s Al-Aqsa Provocation
France Bars Israeli Officials from Major Paris Defense Show
Slovenia Imposes Travel Ban on Israel’s Netanyahu
