Ireland bans Israeli ministers Ben‑Gvir and Smotrich from entry

Ireland's government, led by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, instructed the Justice Ministry to prohibit Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan announced the ban, citing the ministers' statements supporting the displacement of Palestinians and their role in the Gaza conflict.

Martin said the ministers' conduct justifies sanctions at the European Union level and that Ireland will raise the issue at the European Council. The move follows similar entry bans imposed by Britain, France, Spain and Slovenia, and comes after Ireland recognised a Palestinian state in 2024, prompting Israel to close its embassy in Dublin.

The European Union has also sanctioned settler groups linked to Smotrich, which the ministers dismissed as a “badge of honour,” but Ireland’s decision focuses on preventing their travel to the island.