DUBLIN — The Irish government has directed its immigration officials to deny entry to Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. This decision stems from their conduct related to a Gaza-bound flotilla.
Prime Minister Micheál Martin confirmed that the Irish Justice Ministry implemented the travel bans. Martin stated, "Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has instructed his officials to prohibit any travel into Ireland for both minister Ben-Gvir and minister Smotrich." A spokesperson for O'Callaghan confirmed the travel bans received approval from the Irish government outside of a regular cabinet session.
Ben-Gvir approached activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla who had been detained on May 20. He then circulated a video recording of this encounter. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly criticized Ben-Gvir's actions as unacceptable concerning the flotilla activists. Netanyahu stated that Ben-Gvir's actions were "not in line with Israel's values and norms."
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that Ben-Gvir's conduct negatively impacted diplomatic efforts. Sa'ar asserted that Ben-Gvir is "not the face of Israel" and told him, "You knowingly caused harm to our State in this disgraceful display." Government officials from France, Spain, and Italy have formally requested European Union sanctions targeting Ben-Gvir.
Hamas forces launched an offensive in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 individuals taken into captivity. Israeli authorities have accused Hamas forces of acquiring weapons and rebuilding military infrastructure. Local health authorities in Gaza report that Israeli military operations have caused over 72,950 fatalities since the start of the conflict.