The Netherlands has declared Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich “persona non grata,” barring them from entering the country over their incitement to settler violence, advocacy for ethnic cleansing in Gaza, and support for illegal settlement expansion.

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced the decision late Monday, confirming that the ministers will be registered as undesirable aliens in the Schengen system, effectively preventing them from entering much of Europe.

“The cabinet has therefore decided to declare Israeli ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir persona non grata and is committed to registering them as undesirable aliens in the Schengen registration system,” Veldkamp stated, condemning their extremist rhetoric and actions. He added that the Israeli ambassador to the Netherlands will be summoned to receive a formal protest, urging the Netanyahu government to abandon its “intolerable and indefensible” Gaza policy.

The move comes amid rising European anger over Israel’s military aggression in Gaza, where more than 59,000 Palestinians — mostly women and children — have been killed since October 2023.

Far-right extremist Ben-Gvir dismissed the ban, claiming he would continue to push for the dismantling of Hamas and the continued support of Israeli forces, despite the growing international isolation.

“Even if I’m banned from entering all of Europe, I will continue to fight for our country… In Europe, as is often the case, the victim is blamed,” he said, attempting to portray Israel’s internationally condemned military actions as self-defense.

Ben-Gvir accused Europe of hypocrisy, claiming that “terrorists are free, and Jews are boycotted” — remarks critics say reflect Israel’s refusal to acknowledge its own war crimes in Gaza.

Relations between the Netherlands and Israel grew more strained after Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof issued a strongly worded statement on Monday urging the European Union to consider punitive measures against Israel over its devastating assault on Gaza.

Schoof called an emergency meeting with senior ministers to discuss the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and stressed the Netherlands’ commitment to ensuring immediate, unimpeded humanitarian aid.

He warned that if the EU finds Israel in breach of humanitarian law, the Netherlands would back measures to exclude Israel from participating in Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research program.

Schoof also indicated that the Netherlands may support further trade-related consequences and consider unilateral actions to escalate pressure on the Israeli government.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, in line with Tel Aviv’s typical approach, attempted to downplay the Dutch position, claiming Schoof’s remarks “do not reflect the spirit or the details” of their earlier conversation. Herzog warned that EU action would be a “huge mistake,” despite the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The Dutch stance reflects a growing shift in European attitudes toward Israel, as calls for accountability over Gaza mount. Several EU member states are pushing for sanctions, increased diplomatic pressure, and restrictions on Israel’s participation in European programs until it complies with international law and halts its genocidal campaign in Gaza. (ILKHA)