The Netherlands announced an entry ban for two Israeli ministers, generating strong emotions in Europe and the Middle East. What is behind such a decisive step?
Israeli ministers with ban on entering the Netherlands: who and why?
The Dutch government officially announced in late July 2025 that Bezallel Smotrich, Minister of Finance, and Itamar Ben-Gvir, Minister of National Security of Israel, were considered undesirable (person non grata) in the Netherlands.
As pointed out in Caspar Veldkamp's letter to Parliament, this decision is a response to repeated incitement by ministers to violence against Palestinians and public appeal to so-called ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip. In parallel, the Netherlands also demands improvements in the humanitarian corridor for civilians.
Background: tensions on the Israel-Europe line
It is not the first time that European countries have chosen similar moves. Previously, the entry ban for Smotrich and Ben-Gvir introduced Slovenia and countries outside the European Union such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway. Against the background of this decision is the dramatic humanitarian situation in Gases and allegations of human rights violations by Israel.
Israel’s Political Response
Israel reacted harshly. Minister for Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar called on the Dutch ambassador to give an explanation and publicly condemned the Hague's decision as "a undermining Israel's right to self-defense". Both Israeli ministers declared that they would not change their policies and Ben-Gvir stressed that "Even if banned throughout Europe, it will continue to work for a hard course towards Palestinians".
Diplomatic and political implications
The Netherlands' decision is not only a symbolic gesture, but also a signal to other countries that the European Union can move towards sanctions against those responsible for the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. Among other things, restrictions on Israel's participation in EU research programmes or freeze of trade privileges are being considered.
The Netherlands and internal security
It is worth noting that for the first time in history the Dutch security services considered Israel to be one of the countries that could threaten the security of the Netherlands – alongside Russia, Iran or China. This decision is linked to the activities of Israeli online institutions and attempts to influence public opinion in Europe.
