Entry of Israel’s National Security and Finance Ministers to Schengen Area countries has been banned.

On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced in the Dutch parliament that Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s National Security Minister, and Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s Finance Minister, have been banned from entering the 29 countries of the Schengen Area.

This decision was made due to the extremist positions of these two right-wing ministers in Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government, including their encouragement of violence and ethnic cleansing in Gaza.

According to Israel’s i24 News, this action was taken in response to the controversial statements and policies of these two Israeli officials, which have sparked significant tensions in the region.

Previously, on Monday, September 8, the left-leaning government of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had banned Ben-Gvir, Smotrich, and 11 Israeli settlers from entering Spain.

This move by Spain, a member of the European Union, paved the way for the broader Schengen Area decision.

The Schengen Area includes 25 EU member states, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, but Cyprus and Ireland are exempt from this ban.

This ban reflects growing international pressure on the Israeli government due to the policies of some members of Netanyahu’s cabinet.

Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, prominent figures in Israel’s far-right, have repeatedly faced criticism for their provocative statements against Palestinians and their support for expanding settlements in the West Bank.

The Schengen Area’s decision could further complicate Israel’s diplomatic relations with European countries, especially amid ongoing tensions in Gaza and the West Bank.