In a dramatic escalation, the Netherlands has officially barred Israeli Ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from the entire 29-nation Schengen Area, intensifying a diplomatic rift that is spreading across Europe.
The Netherlands announced Tuesday that it has designated Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich as persona non grata, effectively banning them from entering any of the 29 European countries within the Schengen zone.
According to the Dutch government, the directive has been entered into the Schengen Information System, obligating border authorities across member states to deny the two ministers entry.
Enforcement in Question
While the ban is technically binding, Haaretz reported that some governments may allow their border authorities to disregard the order, raising doubts over consistent enforcement across the bloc.
The Dutch Foreign Ministry described the move as a response to “exceptional circumstances”, adding that the Netherlands would push for wider EU-coordinated measures against the controversial Israeli leaders.
European Ripple Effect
This latest step follows a similar move by Spain, which barred Ben Gvir and Smotrich from its territory in retaliation after Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar blocked two Spanish ministers from entering Israel last week.
Meanwhile, Slovenia became the first EU member to declare a unilateral ban on the pair, signaling a growing European backlash.
Global Sanctions Growing
In June, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Norway jointly imposed sanctions on Ben Gvir and Smotrich, citing their alleged role in “encouraging settler violence against Palestinians.”
With the Netherlands now escalating the matter to the Schengen level, the restrictions against the two ministers have reached their most significant scope yet — and could further strain Israel’s already fraught relations with Europe.
