DUBLIN, IRELAND – June 5, 2026 — Ireland has imposed travel bans on two far-right Israeli cabinet ministers, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, barring them from entering the country.
Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan instructed immigration officers to refuse entry to both officials if they attempt to visit, a decision agreed by the government earlier this week outside of a full cabinet meeting. Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin confirmed the move while attending an EU-Western Balkans summit in Montenegro.
A spokesperson for the Justice Ministry stated that the bans align with Ireland’s position against Israeli government members seen as contributing to the crisis in Gaza. Martin has described the ministers’ statements and actions as reflecting a “desire to see the elimination of Palestinians from Palestine,” particularly citing inflammatory rhetoric on West Bank settlements, Gaza operations, and recent mockery of pro-Palestinian activists.
The decision follows controversy over a video posted by Ben-Gvir in May, which showed detained activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla being bound and forced to kneel. Irish leaders condemned the footage, prompting calls for action against officials accused of escalating tensions.
Ireland has been one of the most vocal EU members in support of Palestinian rights and statehood. The bans add to similar restrictions imposed by other countries, including the UK, France, Spain, Slovenia, Australia, and others, over allegations of inciting settler violence and advocating policies that undermine peace efforts.
Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, key figures in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition from far-right parties, have long been polarizing. Critics accuse them of fueling extremism through support for settlement expansion and hardline security policies. Supporters view them as necessary defenders of Israeli security amid ongoing conflicts.
No immediate reaction from Israeli officials has been reported. The symbolic but pointed measure highlights deepening diplomatic rifts between Ireland and parts of the Israeli government amid the prolonged Gaza conflict.
This story is developing.
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