Ireland bans entry for Israeli ministers over Gaza crisis

Ireland has banned two far-right Israeli ministers, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, from entering the country. The Irish government cited their "decisive role in escalating the destruction raging in Gaza" as the reason for the decision, according to a statement sent to Agence France-Presse.

This move comes as calls for sanctions against Israeli officials grow within the European Union. In May, Italy and Spain had requested measures against the Israeli National Security Minister after a video surfaced showing the harsh treatment of foreign activists by Israeli authorities. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin had previously written to European Council President Antonio Costa on May 20, urging "additional measures" by the EU against Israel. He stated from Montenegro, where the EU-Western Balkans summit is taking place, that their behavior warrants EU-level sanctions.

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their decisive role in escalating the destruction raging in Gaza

France also announced a similar entry ban for Ben-Gvir on May 23, adding to the wave of reactions across Europe. Beyond the EU, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are already under sanctions from Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway. These countries also banned their entry, announcing the measures jointly on June 10, 2025. They accused the two politicians of "inciting violence" against Palestinians, particularly in the West Bank, where settlement activity continues to rise. The Israeli government had previously condemned these decisions as "scandalous," arguing they unfairly targeted representatives of the country.

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in my opinion, their behavior warrants sanctions at the EU level too and that is something we will put forward