The Irish government banned two members of the Israeli cabinet, considered radicals, from entering the country – Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir and Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich. The information was brought by the AFP agency and the Irish broadcaster RTÉ, which are referred to by TASR.
- Ireland banned the entry of Minister Ben Gvir and Minister of Finance Smotrich.
- The Irish government accuses them of sharing responsibility for the disastrous situation in Gaza.
- Irish Prime Minister Martin wants to enforce European sanctions against both ministers.
- France has already banned Ben Gvir from entering and is seeking sanctions along with its partners.
- The Czech Republic rejects sanctions against both, which may block the decision of the European Union.
The head of the Irish Department of Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, has instructed the immigration authorities to prevent the two politicians from entering the country if they try to come to Ireland. The statement emphasizes that, according to the Irish government, both were involved in causing the current catastrophic situation in the Gaza Strip.
Sanctions in the EU
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin described both ministers as politicians who seek to push the Palestinians out of their homeland. At the same time, he announced that Dublin will push for the imposition of sanctions on Ben Gvir and Smotrich at the European level. However, he admitted that it is not certain whether it will be possible to obtain sufficient support from all member countries of the European Union.
Ben Gvir is already facing restrictions in France, which also banned him from entering its territory two weeks ago. Paris responded to his actions towards the participants of the pro-Palestinian Global Sumud flotilla, which the French authorities described as unjustifiable. Calls for the introduction of sanctions at the EU level were also heard by France, Spain and Italy.
Split in the Union
According to the Irish Times, diplomats from all 27 EU member states are currently discussing the possibility of including both Israeli ministers on the sanctions list. However, it is not yet clear whether the proposal will receive the necessary unanimous support. A source familiar with the discussions said that Germany, traditionally pro-Israel, is ready to support sanctions against Ben Gvir, but not against Smotrich.
An even more critical attitude towards the measures is taken by the Czech Republic, which is against sanctions on both politicians. Given the need for unanimity, Prague could thus block the entire process.
Netanyahu’s radical allies
Both Ben Gvir and Smotrich are known as prominent supporters of the Israeli settlement movement and are among the most vocal supporters of military operations in both the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. At the same time, they head the coalition parties, which makes them key players in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet.
