Travel bans for two Israeli ministers, Martin confirms
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the move responds to conduct by the two ministers and follows calls for wider European Union sanctions.
- On Friday, Irish Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan instructed immigration officials to refuse entry to Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed.
- The decision follows Ben-Gvir's video mocking activists detained on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, which Martin described as behavior amounting to a "desire to see the elimination of Palestinians from Palestine."
- Britain barred the two ministers in June 2025, with Spain, France, and Slovenia following suit. Ireland has been among the most vocal critics of Israel's military campaign in Gaza.
- Martin argued that the ministers' behavior justifies wider sanctions at the European Union level, though securing unanimous support across the 27 member states remains uncertain.
- Criticism has also emerged from within Israel, as Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Ben-Gvir, with Netanyahu stating his actions were "not in line with Israel's values.
36 Articles
36 Articles
Ireland bans Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich
Ireland has imposed a travel ban on Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, barring them from entering the country due to their conduct towards Gaza flotilla activists and anti-Palestinian statements. Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, known as the Taoiseach, on Friday, June 5, said the two far-right ministers’ remarks “essentially amount to a desire to see the elimination of Palestinians f…
Ireland bars entry of Smotrich and Ben-Gvir into the country
Ireland urged the EU to sanction Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, while advancing legislation to restrict trade with West Bank settlements. The move comes amid mounting criticism of Israel's handling of detained activists from the Gaza flotilla the IDF took over last month
Ireland has imposed entry bans on the two extreme-right Israeli ministers Ben Gvir and Smotrich.
Spain, Slovenia, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Great Britain: The list of countries that impose sanctions on Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich is long. Now Dublin also forbids them entry.
In May, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sparked outrage in several European countries with a video of him humiliating activists.
The Irish Ministry of Justice imposes an entry ban on Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. Head of Government Martin is also pushing for EU sanctions.
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