Netherlands Bars Israeli Ministers Smotrich And Ben-Gvir Over Controversial Statements.
The Dutch government has declared Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir persona non grata, banning them from entering the country due to their inflammatory rhetoric and actions concerning the Palestinian population. The decision, announced on 28 July 2025, marks the Netherlands as the seventh country to impose such sanctions on the far-right Israeli ministers, following similar moves by the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, and Slovenia.
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, in a letter to parliament, stated that the ban was prompted by the ministers’ repeated incitement of violence against Palestinians, their advocacy for the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank, and their calls for “ethnic cleansing” in the Gaza Strip. The Netherlands also plans to register both ministers in the Schengen Information System as “undesirable aliens,” potentially restricting their entry across 29 European states. Veldkamp further announced that Israel’s ambassador to the Netherlands would be summoned for urgent discussions to urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to alter its course.
The move comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and several European nations over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israel’s ongoing military operations and aid restrictions have drawn widespread condemnation. Since October 2023, Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports nearly 55,000 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children, prompting accusations of human rights violations. The Dutch government has also rejected 11 export licences for military equipment to Israel since the conflict’s onset, though it approved two licences for components of the Iron Dome missile defence system.
Ben-Gvir responded defiantly on social media, stating, “Even if I’m banned from all of Europe, I’ll keep working for our country and demanding that we topple Hamas and back our fighters.” He accused the Netherlands of tolerating terrorism while boycotting Jewish ministers. Smotrich, meanwhile, emphasised his commitment to Israel’s security, saying, “Far more than entering the Netherlands, it matters to me that my children, grandchildren, and those of all Jews can live in Israel in safety for centuries to come.”
The decision aligns with broader European efforts to address Israel’s policies. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof indicated support for suspending Israel’s participation in the EU’s Horizon research programme if it fails to meet humanitarian aid obligations. The Netherlands has also pledged €1.5 million to the UN and €3 million to the Red Cross for Gaza aid, reflecting its focus on alleviating the crisis.
The ban has sparked varied reactions. Supporters, including Dutch lawmakers and human rights advocates, praise the move as a stand against incitement and violations of international law. Critics, particularly in Israel, argue it unfairly targets Israeli officials while ignoring Palestinian militant actions. Posts on X reflect this divide, with some hailing the Netherlands’ decision as a bold step against settler violence, while others view it as discriminatory and biased against Israel.
As the seventh nation to sanction Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, the Netherlands underscores a growing international push to hold Israeli officials accountable for their rhetoric and policies. The summoning of Israel’s ambassador signals further diplomatic pressure, with the Dutch government urging a reevaluation of Israel’s approach to the Palestinian territories. While the ban is a symbolic gesture, it highlights the deepening rift between Israel and parts of the international community, raising questions about the future of bilateral relations.
