Netherlands bans Israeli ministers over Gaza war, EU weighs sanctions
The ban affects Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, both members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp informed lawmakers of the decision in a letter late Monday, writing: 'The war in Gaza must stop.'
Both ministers are known supporters of Jewish settlements and have backed continuing the war, as well as what they describe as the 'voluntary emigration' of Palestinians from Gaza.
The Netherlands is the first European country to issue such a ban, but other nations have already taken similar steps. Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway imposed financial sanctions on Ben-Gvir and Smotrich last month.
In response, Israel's foreign ministry said on Tuesday it had summoned the Dutch ambassador in protest. According to Reuters, a ministry spokesperson said the move followed the 'unacceptable' travel ban on Israeli ministers.
The European Union is also considering further measures. The European Commission has proposed partially suspending Israel's participation in a €900 million science and technology programme, particularly access to its €200 million-a-year investment arm, which funds projects in areas such as cybersecurity, drones, and artificial intelligence.
According to officials cited by AP, the proposed suspension is 'targeted and reversible,' and would not affect the parts of the programme focused solely on civilian use. The Commission said Israel's military campaign in Gaza had violated the terms of a bilateral agreement with the EU.
The European Parliament may vote on the proposal, which would require support from at least 15 of the EU's 27 member states.
Separately, a leaked document seen by the Associated Press outlines other options under discussion, including suspending an aviation agreement with Israel, blocking imports from settlements, and restricting Israeli travel in Europe's visa-free Schengen zone.
Countries such as Ireland, Spain, and the Netherlands have also called on Israel to open more border crossings and allow greater humanitarian access. Aid teams from the EU have reportedly been unable to enter Gaza despite recent temporary pauses in fighting.
Veldkamp said the Dutch government would also call in the Israeli ambassador to urge Netanyahu to take 'immediate measures that lead to a substantial and rapid improvement in the humanitarian situation throughout the Gaza Strip.'
Over the weekend, Israel announced several measures, including humanitarian pauses and aid airdrops. However, Palestinians say conditions on the ground have not changed.
Israel blames Hamas for blocking aid deliveries, accusing the group of diverting supplies. The United Nations, however, has said such looting is not widespread and that aid distribution improves when larger quantities are allowed into the enclave.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant. They are accused of using starvation as a weapon and targeting civilians allegations both men deny. ICC member states are obligated to arrest them if they enter their territories.
In reaction to the Netherlands' decision, Smotrich said on social media, as quoted by AP: 'European leaders are surrendering to the lies of radical Islam.' Ben-Gvir added: 'A Jewish minister from Israel is unwanted in Europe, terrorists are free, and Jews are boycotted.'
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