DUBLIN, June 5, 2026 (WAFA) – Ireland has imposed a travel ban on hard-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, according to Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.

Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan approved the entry ban, as confirmed by the Prime Minister during his participation in the EU–Western Balkans summit held in Tivat, Montenegro.

Martin said the actions and statements of the two ministers “amount to a desire to see the elimination of Palestinians from Palestine,” adding that there is a need for further measures against them at the European Union level.

He stressed that the international community should take this issue into account and said Ireland would raise the matter with other EU members, noting that their conduct justifies EU-wide sanctions, although securing consensus within the bloc remains uncertain.

A spokesperson for the Justice Minister said the ban was implemented after government approval outside of Cabinet, in line with Ireland’s policy of preventing entry to individuals deemed to be contributing to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

The decision follows similar moves by other countries, including France, which earlier announced restrictions on the entry of Israeli officials, amid growing international calls for coordinated EU sanctions.

M.N