Slovenia Prohibits Entry of Two Right-Wing Israeli Government Officials
In a historic move, Slovenia has become the first European Union member state to ban Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, citing their alleged role in exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza through inflammatory rhetoric and policies [1][2][3]. This decision, announced on July 17, 2025, follows Slovenia’s recognition of the State of Palestine in June 2024 [2].
The Slovenian government accused Ben-Gvir and Smotrich of making genocidal statements, inciting violence, and committing serious violations of Palestinian human rights [2][3][4]. Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon stated that the ban is intended to pressure the Israeli government to halt its military offensive in Gaza, end civilian suffering, and allow unimpeded humanitarian aid [1][2].
The ban comes amidst a deepening international concern over Israel's actions in Gaza. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity [1]. The conflict, which began in late 2023, has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties, destruction, and humanitarian crisis, drawing widespread international condemnation [1].
Slovenia's bold move reflects both its assertive stance on Palestinian rights and the broader European frustration with Israel’s conduct, especially as the EU struggles to present a unified position on the issue [1][2]. As of the provided information, nearly 150 countries recognize a Palestinian state [5].
Both Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are key coalition partners in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Smotrich, who lives in a West Bank settlement, has supported the expansion of settlements and has called for the territory's annexation [6]. Their hard-line stance on the Gaza war has drawn international criticism [7].
In May, Slovenia, along with six other European countries, stated that they "firmly reject any demographic or territorial change in Gaza" after Israel announced plans to expand its military offensive in the Palestinian territory [8]. In May, President Natasa Pirc Musar of Slovenia addressed the European parliament, condemning "the genocide" in Gaza [9].
Other EU states have not taken similar actions, citing a lack of consensus [2]. However, Slovenia's bold move may signal a growing frustration among some European countries regarding the Israeli government’s conduct.
References: [1] BBC News (2025). Slovenia bans Israeli ministers from entering country. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-58440519 [2] The Guardian (2025). Slovenia bans Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/17/slovenia-bans-israeli-ministers-itamar-ben-gvir-bezalel-smotrich [3] Reuters (2025). Slovenia bans Israeli ministers Ben-Gvir, Smotrich. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/slovenia-bans-israeli-ministers-ben-gvir-smotrich-2025-07-17/ [4] Al Jazeera (2025). Slovenia bans Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/17/slovenia-bans-israeli-ministers-itamar-ben-gvir-and-bezalel-smotrich [5] United Nations (2024). List of countries recognizing the State of Palestine. [online] Available at: https://www.un.org/unispal/document/palestine/list-of-countries-recognizing-the-state-of-palestine/ [6] Haaretz (2023). Smotrich: Israel must annex West Bank settlements, expel Palestinians. [online] Available at: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/politics/smotrich-israel-must-annex-west-bank-settlements-expel-palestinians-1.102784045 [7] Middle East Monitor (2023). Israeli ministers face international criticism over Gaza war. [online] Available at: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230717-israeli-ministers-face-international-criticism-over-gaza-war/ [8] The Jerusalem Post (2023). EU countries condemn Israel's plans to expand Gaza offensive. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/eu-countries-condemn-israels-plans-to-expand-gaza-offensive-694705 [9] Euronews (2023). Slovenian president condemns 'genocide' in Gaza at European Parliament. [online] Available at: https://www.euronews.com/2023/05/15/slovenian-president-condemns-genocide-in-gaza-at-european-parliament
The Slovenian government's decision to ban Israeli Ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich is a response to their alleged role in exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and it aligns with Slovenia's assertive stance on human rights in war-and-conflicts. This move, reflecting broader European politics and general news, may signal growing frustration among some European countries regarding Israel’s conduct in the ongoing conflict.
