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2h ago

Ireland Bars Israeli Ministers Itamar Ben‑Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich

Dublin says their conduct toward Gaza‑bound activists justifies pressing the European Union to consider sanctions.

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Israeli police surround Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir as he arrives outside the Damascus Gate of the walled Old City of Jerusalem on May 26, 2025.
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(L-R) Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir

Overview

  • Ireland’s Justice Minister instructed immigration officers to refuse entry to Ben‑Gvir and Smotrich, a measure confirmed by Taoiseach Micheál Martin on June 5, 2026.
  • The decision was driven in part by a May 20 video in which Ben‑Gvir mocked detained Gaza‑bound flotilla activists, footage that drew broad international condemnation.
  • Dublin cited the ministers’ repeated statements on Palestinians as evidence that EU‑level measures are warranted and noted its prior stance after recognising the State of Palestine in May 2024.
  • Other European states have already restricted the two ministers’ travel, with Britain imposing bans in June 2025 and France barring Ben‑Gvir after the flotilla video, while several governments have opened inquiries into the interception.
  • The ban was implemented without full cabinet approval, a step that could prompt coordinated action at EU level or deepen diplomatic strain between Ireland and Israel.