Ireland Bans Entry of Israeli Ministers Smotrich, Ben-Gvir

Ireland has banned two far-right Israeli ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, from entering the country over what Dublin described as inflammatory statements and policies toward Palestinians.

Ireland joins a growing list of countries, including the UK, Norway, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, and Slovenia, that have imposed similar restrictions on the two ministers.

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said the ministers' rhetoric and actions reflected a desire to eliminate the Palestinian presence in Palestinian territories and urged the international community to take the issue seriously. He also confirmed that Ireland will continue pushing for EU-wide sanctions against the pair.

Separately, Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee said the government aims to introduce legislation by mid-July restricting trade in goods originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The move comes amid ongoing tensions over the Gaza conflict and follows criticism of Israel's interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. Several activists detained during the operation later alleged mistreatment while in custody, claims that have drawn international attention.

Ireland has been among the most vocal European critics of Israel's military campaign in Gaza and has pledged further measures targeting Israeli settlements.