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Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have been barred from entering all 29 countries in Europe’s Schengen Area.
Dutch authorities cited the ministers’ role in encouraging settler violence against Palestinians and advocating for “ethnic cleansing in Gaza.” The ban has been entered into the Schengen Information System, requiring all member states to deny them entry.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the measure was taken under “exceptional circumstances.”
Former Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, who resigned in August over the government’s handling of Gaza, said the ministers’ actions were “unbearable and indefensible.”
Spain previously barred both ministers following Israel’s restrictions on Spanish officials. Spain also imposed a total arms embargo on Israel. Other countries, including the U.K., Norway, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, have imposed sanctions. Slovenia designated the ministers persona non grata in July, citing human rights violations, while Belgium announced similar sanctions, extending the status to violent settlers.
The coordinated measures reflect growing European opposition to Israeli policies in Gaza and the West Bank, particularly targeting officials linked to violence against Palestinian civilians.
Officials say the sanctions aim to deter advocacy of settler attacks and ethnic cleansing.
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