The Netherlands has barred two senior Israeli ministers—National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich—from entering its territory, citing their explicit calls for violence against Palestinians and advocacy for ethnic cleansing in Gaza. The decision comes amid growing European outrage over Israel’s conduct in the war on Gaza.

Diplomatic Fallout

The Dutch Foreign Ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador in The Hague for a formal rebuke. Dutch media reported that MP Gidi van der Waldenkamp informed parliament the situation in Gaza was untenable, prompting the government to act.

The decision also precedes a European Union meeting set to review Israel’s compliance with humanitarian obligations under its association agreements with the bloc. Humanitarian aid access to Gaza is central to that review.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said the Netherlands would press for a freeze on Israel’s trade privileges with the EU and potential restrictions on arms exports if Israel continues to block aid delivery to Gaza.

“I conveyed this message directly to President Isaac Herzog in a phone call,” Schoof stated, adding that EU inaction would be “a grave mistake.”

Israeli Reactions

In response, Ben Gvir claimed, “Even if every country bans me, I will continue expressing my position without compromise.” Smotrich dismissed the decision as evidence that “Europe has not learned from history and may repeat it.”

On Sunday, the Dutch national security agency for the first time listed Israel among foreign powers attempting to manipulate Dutch public opinion and policymaking through disinformation.