RAMALLAH, June 30, 2026 (WAFA) – Human rights organizations have called on US authorities to bar Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the United States, following his planned visit to the United Nations headquarters in New York City to participate in an international conference of police chiefs and homeland security officials on July 7 and 8.

The calls came after a criminal complaint was filed with the US Department of Justice, accusing Ben-Gvir of responsibility for war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture, and incitement to genocide against Palestinians.

The complaint urges US authorities to open an investigation and pursue legal action should he enter the country.

The human rights organizations stressed that international law and human rights principles must be applied equally to all officials, noting that Ben-Gvir has previously called for the displacement of Palestinians and the tightening of measures against Palestinian prisoners and detainees. This comes at a time when human rights organizations accuse Israel of committing widespread violations against Palestinian civilians and detainees during its ongoing war on the Gaza Strip.

The organizations also called for sanctions against Israeli officials they accuse of responsibility for serious violations of international law and international humanitarian law against the Palestinian people.

Ben-Gvir, along with several other ministers and officials in the occupation, faces repeated international criticism and condemnation for his statements and positions advocating settlement expansion and the displacement of Palestinians, as well as his policies regarding Palestinian prisoners, which human rights organizations have described as violating international law.

Y.S