EU’s First Ban: Israeli Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir Banned From Slovenia
Slovenia has become the first EU nation to ban Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, citing their inflammatory statements as incitements to violence against Palestinians. The decision, met with both support and accusations of bias, highlights tensions over Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Slovenia announced a historic decision to bar Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir from entering its territory, marking the first such move by a European Union member state. The Slovenian government declared both ministers “persona non grata,” accusing them of inciting “extreme violence and serious violations of the human rights of Palestinians” through what authorities described as “their genocidal statements.” Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, speaking after a cabinet session, emphasized the decision’s intent to pressure Israel to end its military operations in Gaza, where 888 Israelis have died since the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre that killed 1,200 and took 251 hostages.
The move follows international criticism of Smotrich and Ben Gvir, key figures in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, known for their far-right views. In June 2025, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway imposed sanctions on the ministers for inflammatory remarks, including Smotrich’s call to “wipe out” Palestinian villages and Ben Gvir’s advocacy for cutting humanitarian aid to Gaza during wartime. Slovenian MEP Matjaž Nemec stated, “I welcome today’s decision by the Slovenian government to adopt sanctions against the extremist Israeli ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. Slovenia has sent a message to Israel and the international community: those who reject international law and pose a threat to humanity are not welcome!” Posts on X reflected mixed sentiments, with some praising Slovenia’s anti-Israel stance, while others, like one user stating, “Slovenia ignores Israel’s fight against Hamas terrorism, pure hypocrisy,” criticized the decision for overlooking Israel’s security challenges.
The ban, while symbolic due to the ministers’ unlikely travel to Slovenia, underscores growing European unease with Israel’s Gaza campaign. Critics argue Slovenia’s move fails to acknowledge Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas, designated a terrorist group by the EU, US, and others. The US, through Ambassador Warren Stephens, expressed concern, stating, “The United States stands firmly in support of Israel.” Slovenia’s decision may strain EU-Israel relations as the war, with no clear postwar plan, continues to polarize global opinion.