Netherlands Announces Ban on Ben Gvir and Smotrich from Entering Schengen Countries

Translation by SadaNews - Dutch Foreign Minister Kaspar Valdikamp announced before the Dutch parliament that his country has decided to ban Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering all member states of the Schengen Area, which consists of 29 countries, starting from Wednesday, September 10, 2025, as reported by Yedioth Ahronoth and translated by SadaNews.

Valdikamp explained that the decision takes effect starting today and is part of a growing European stance towards the statements and positions expressed by the ministers during the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, which have been deemed "contrary to European values."

This announcement came during a parliamentary session dedicated to discussing the developments of the war in Gaza and the Netherlands' position on the future of the two-state solution. The minister noted that the decision was made in coordination with several European countries and reflects a collective rejection of what he termed "incitement and political extremism that threatens peace opportunities in the region."

For its part, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported: The Netherlands has listed Ben Gvir and Smotrich as "unwanted persons," prohibiting their entry into all European Union countries.