In a sharp diplomatic escalation, the Netherlands has barred Israeli Ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir from entering the country, joining a growing list of nations imposing sanctions over alleged “settler violence” and anti-Palestinian incitement.
Dutch Ban Deepens Rift with Israel
Dutch media reported Tuesday that the Netherlands has declared Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir persona non grata, effectively banning them from entering the country.
The move follows accusations that the two ministers “encouraged settler violence against Palestinians” in Judea and Samaria.
As part of the diplomatic fallout, the Dutch government is expected to summon Israel’s ambassador for an official rebuke.
Ben Gvir Hits Back at Europe
Minister Itamar Ben Gvir blasted the decision:
“Even if I am banned from all of Europe, I will continue working for our country, demand the destruction of Hamas, and support our soldiers. In Europe, as always, the victim is blamed. Terrorists roam free, Jews are boycotted.”
Part of a Wider Western Sanctions Drive
The Dutch ban aligns with a growing coalition of Western governments taking action against the two right-wing Israeli ministers:
- Last month: The UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Norway imposed personal sanctions on Smotrich and Ben Gvir, including asset freezes, travel bans, and disqualification from corporate leadership roles.
- Earlier this month: Slovenia became the first EU country to impose a similar ban, accusing the ministers of promoting “genocidal statements” and calling for violence against Palestinian civilians.
Accusations at the Core
According to official statements from several governments, the accusations against Smotrich and Ben Gvir include:
- Public support for expanding Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria
- Calls for the forced displacement of Palestinians
- Statements interpreted as incitement to violence against Palestinian Arabs
The UK’s Foreign Office claimed such rhetoric undermines prospects for a future Palestinian state and contributes to escalating violence in the West Bank.
Diplomatic Fallout Growing
With the Netherlands now joining the list, the sanctions movement marks a significant diplomatic rift between Israel and multiple Western allies.
The bans come at a time when tensions over the war in Gaza and settler-Palestinian clashes in Judea and Samaria are already straining Israel’s international standing.
