Amsterdam — The Netherlands has officially banned two far-right Israeli ministers, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, from entering any of the 29 countries within Europe’s Schengen Area. This unprecedented move comes in response to their repeated encouragement of settler violence against Palestinians and their advocacy for what Dutch officials describe as “ethnic cleansing in Gaza.”

The Dutch government announced that the ministers have been declared persona non grata, a status now registered in the Schengen Information System, obligating border authorities across all member states to deny them entry.

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, who resigned in August citing his inability to serve in a government that opposed stronger measures against Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank, emphasized the “exceptional circumstances” surrounding the decision. “The decision is based on their repeated incitement of settler violence against Palestinians, calls for illegal settlement expansion, and advocacy for ethnic cleansing in Gaza,” he stated.

This move follows Spain’s recent ban on Ben Gvir and Smotrich, which came after Israel barred two Spanish ministers from entering Israel due to their anti-genocide stance. Spain has also announced a total arms embargo against Israel, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez describing the measures as necessary to “stop the genocide in Gaza” and “support the Palestinian population.”

The Netherlands had already restricted entry of these ministers within its own borders, condemning their roles in the “unbearable and indefensible” situation in Gaza. Similar sanctions were imposed earlier this year by Britain, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Slovenia was the first EU country to declare them persona non grata in July, citing “extreme violence and serious violations of the human rights of Palestinians.”

Most recently, Belgium announced firm sanctions, including banning the ministers and several settlers from entering the country.

The coordinated actions across Europe highlight growing international condemnation of the ministers’ policies and rhetoric, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic pressure on Israel over its treatment of Palestinians.

Source: QNN