Dutch Authorities Prevent Entry of Politicians Ben-Gvir and Smotrich
In a significant move, the Dutch caretaker government has barred Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the Netherlands in July 2025. The decision was made in response to the ministers' alleged incitement of violence against Palestinians and support for policies deemed as "ethnic cleansing" in the Gaza Strip [1][2][3][4].
The ministers, who are far-right figures and key coalition partners of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have been vocal supporters of ongoing military action and settlement expansion in Gaza. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp stated that the ban is a result of their repeated incitement of violence against Palestinians, advocacy for expanding illegal settlements, and explicit calls for ethnic cleansing in Gaza [3].
The entry ban serves as a political and symbolic signal condemning Israel's violations of international humanitarian law and the failure to achieve a ceasefire, particularly given the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, practical enforcement may be limited as entry bans can be difficult to implement strictly [1].
The Dutch government has also indicated exploring further actions at the European Union level, including potentially suspending trade agreements with Israel or participation in EU research programs if humanitarian aid remains blocked [2][3]. Similar sanctions, including financial measures, have been implemented by other Western countries such as Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway [2].
The ministers themselves have rejected the bans, with Ben-Gvir asserting he will continue his policies regardless of the European restrictions [3]. The conflict between Israel and Hamas remains ongoing.
The news of the ban was published by Al Bawaba on July 29th, 2025, and was labelled as "Latest" and "Popular" by the news outlet. Subscription to Al Bawaba's newsletter offers exclusive celebrity scoops and entertainment news.
Additionally, the Dutch government summoned the Israeli ambassador to The Hague for a reprimand session. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the international community is increasingly scrutinizing Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip.
[1] Al Bawaba. (2025, July 29). Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir Barred from Entering The Netherlands. Retrieved from https://www.albawaba.com/news/israeli-national-security-minister-itamar-ben-gvir-barred-entering-netherlands-1369237
[2] Reuters. (2025, July 30). Netherlands Bars Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich from Entering Country. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/netherlands-bars-israeli-finance-minister-smotrich-entering-country-2025-07-30/
[3] The Guardian. (2025, July 31). Dutch Government Bans Israeli Ministers over Gaza Policies. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/31/dutch-government-bans-israeli-ministers-over-gaza-policies
[4] BBC News. (2025, August 1). Netherlands Bans Israeli Ministers over Gaza Policies. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-61792709
- The Dutch government's decision to bar Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the Netherlands in July 2025 is a response to their alleged incitement of violence against Palestinians and support for policies that violate international humanitarian law.
- The ban on Israeli ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich serves as a political and symbolic signal of the international community's increasing scrutiny of Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
- The Dutch government is also considering further actions at the European Union level, including potentially suspending trade agreements with Israel or participation in EU research programs if humanitarian aid remains blocked.
- Similar sanctions, including financial measures, have been implemented by other Western countries such as Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway in response to Israel's violations of international humanitarian law and its failure to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
- The Dutch government has summoned the Israeli ambassador to The Hague for a reprimand session, reflecting the international community's growing concern over Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, a concern that is further highlighted by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the area.
