Ireland bars Ben Gvir and Smotrich from entering country
Dublin is pushing for EU-level sanctions, saying the two ministers helped fuel the Gaza crisis.
Ireland has barred Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country. Ireland's Justice Ministry ordered immigration officers to refuse both men if they try to enter its territory, after government approval outside the cabinet. Prime Minister Micheál Martin said the actions and statements of the two right-wing politicians, including toward pro-Palestinian activists and in the context of the Gaza war, reflect a push to erase Palestinians from Palestine. Speaking at the EU-Western Balkans summit in Tivat, Montenegro, Martin also said their conduct deserves sanctions at the EU level. Dublin's move follows similar restrictions from France, as well as earlier entry bans imposed by Britain, Spain and Slovenia.