Slovenia Bars Israeli Ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich From Entering the Country
Slovenia announced Thursday that it is barring Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country—marking the first time a European Union member has taken such a step against Israeli cabinet officials • Read More
The Slovenian government claimed the two ministers made statements supporting Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria and accused them of incitement. Critics, however, say Slovenia’s move is politically motivated and unfairly targets Israeli leaders who represent a significant portion of the country’s democratic electorate.
Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon admitted the decision came after the EU failed to reach a consensus on action against Israel during a meeting earlier this week in Brussels. “This kind of measure is the first of its kind in the European Union,” she said. “We are breaking new ground.”
Israel has not yet issued an official response, but supporters of the two ministers have strongly condemned Slovenia’s action, calling it an act of diplomatic hostility that rewards incitement from the Palestinian side while penalizing Israel for defending itself.
Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are both longtime advocates for strengthening Israel’s security and supporting Jewish communities in historically significant areas such as the Yehudah and Shomron – territories where tens of thousands of Israelis live and which are often at the center of international controversy.
Slovenia’s statement accused the ministers of supporting policies “contrary to international law,” despite the fact that many legal scholars and governments, including in Israel and the United States, dispute the characterization of Israeli communities in these areas as “illegal.”
Slovenia recognized a Palestinian state earlier this year, and this latest move is seen by many as part of a broader shift toward one-sided pressure on Israel.
In recent months, other countries such as the UK, Canada, and Australia have announced sanctions on the ministers. However, many in Israel view such measures as misguided, especially in light of the October 7, 2023 terror attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 kidnapped by Hamas.
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