Netherlands Bans Entry of Two Israeli Ministers Over Gaza War Rhetoric

The Netherlands has imposed a travel ban on two Israeli ministers, accusing them of inciting violence in Gaza, adding to the list of Western governments that have censured key figures in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.

In a letter to parliament released late Monday, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced the bans on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

The decision comes amid intensifying calls across Europe for Israel to do more to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave.

Last month, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway imposed similar sanctions on the two ministers for “their repeated incitement of violence against Palestinian civilians.”

Commenting on the decision, the countries’ foreign ministers said that extremist rhetoric promoting the forced displacement of Palestinians and the expansion of Israeli settlements was appalling and dangerous, and that such actions were unacceptable

The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes.

The United States condemned the move, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying it doesn’t advance U.S.-led efforts to achieve a cease-fire.

Rubio urged the reversal of the sanctions and called on the countries to support Israel and the efforts to release hostages, held by the terrorist group Hamas.

Veldkamp on Monday called for a cease-fire in Gaza, urging Israel to do more to facilitate humanitarian aid, while stressing that Hamas should have no role in the enclave’s future.

His remarks came after the Israeli military began a limited pause in operations in parts of the Gaza Strip on Sunday, and resumed humanitarian airdrops alongside the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, as aid agencies warned of famine-like conditions in the territory.

The Dutch government said it would summon the Israeli ambassador to formally protest what it described as the “unbearable and indefensible” humanitarian situation in Gaza.

In response to Dutch sanctions, Ben-Gvir said in a post on X on Tuesday that even if all of Europe were to ban him, he would continue to act in defense of Israel, advocate for the defeat of Hamas, and support Israeli soldiers.

Smotrich said that he was dedicating his life to Israel’s future and security, and would continue to do so according to his best judgment, even if it meant standing against global opinion.

Broader Sanctions

European Union officials are meeting in Brussels on Tuesday to discuss an EU response to the situation in Gaza and assess Israel’s compliance with the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

Signed in 2000, the trade deal obligates both parties to uphold democratic principles and human rights standards.

On Monday, the European Commission (EC) proposed suspending Israel’s access to parts of Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation program.

The proposal, prompted by concerns over humanitarian access to Gaza, would bar Israeli startups from participating in the European Innovation Council Accelerator, a key innovation initiative.

However, academic and collaborative research projects would remain unaffected. The proposed suspension must still be approved by a qualified majority of EU member states.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof signaled the Netherlands’ support for the EC’s proposal.

Speaking on Monday, following a meeting with his cabinet and a phone call with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, Schoof said that the Netherlands would also push for broader European measures, including trade-related actions, and is considering national steps to increase pressure on Israel.

“Hamas must also fully cooperate to ensure humanitarian aid reaches the suffering population of Gaza,” Schoof said, adding that he conveyed these concerns to Herzog.

In response, Herzog described the potential EU measures as a “huge mistake,” particularly given what he called Israel’s ongoing and enhanced humanitarian efforts.

Despite growing international pressure, Israeli officials maintain that military operations in Gaza are essential to dismantle Hamas and secure the country’s future.

In recent months, thousands of people have taken to the streets in the Netherlands, demanding an immediate cease-fire and greater humanitarian access for civilians in Gaza.