Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir Cancels US Trip Over Visa Fingerprint Issue

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir planned a visit to the United States to attend the wedding of the daughter of Israeli businessman Yaakov Elharar and to hold a diplomatic meeting.

The US Embassy in Tel Aviv required him to provide biometric fingerprints and appear for an in‑person interview, a step described by Israeli media as an unusual procedure for a holder of a diplomatic passport.

Ben‑Gvir’s office confirmed the embassy’s request. The Israeli State Comptroller’s committee later objected to the trip being financed by Elharar, citing potential conflict‑of‑interest concerns. After withdrawing the request for private funding, Ben‑Gvir ultimately cancelled the trip.

The episode was reported by outlets such as Haaretz and Channel 12 and highlights continuing diplomatic friction between Washington and the far‑right elements of the Israeli government.