The two Israeli ministers have called for preventing aid from reaching Gaza, as well as reoccupying and resettling the strip
The Netherlands has barred Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir from entering the country, over their incitement of violence against Palestinians and their calls for starving the people of Gaza.
In a letter to lawmakers cited by local media, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Valdekamp said the move came “because they have repeatedly incited violence by settlers against the Palestinian population and … called for ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip.”
The foreign minister said the two ministers “persistently advocated for the expansion of illegal settlements.”
The letter also said that the Netherlands will summon the Israeli ambassador to protest against “unbearable and indefensible.”
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said that his country was mulling “taking national measures” against the Israeli government and is ready to support suspending its participation in the EU Horizon research program if Brussels concludes that Israel is obstructing humanitarian aid access in Gaza.
Both Israeli ministers accused the Netherlands of antisemitism in response.
Ben Gvir has previously said that there are “no uninvolved civilians” in Gaza, and has consistently stood against any ceasefire deal. He also continues to reject any efforts to expand the flow of desperately needed aid into Gaza.
Smotrich also continues to call for the flattening of occupied West Bank villages, as Gaza has been flattened.
Both ministers openly support the reoccupation and illegal settlement in Gaza. Last year, Smotrich said it would be “justified and moral” to starve the entire population of Gaza.
The Dutch move comes as Israel’s siege against Gaza has created catastrophic levels of famine. Dozens, including children, have died of starvation over the past week.
It also comes after a report from the Dutch National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV), which included Israel on a list of states that pose a threat to its national security.
Earlier this month, Slovenia also declared Ben Gvir and Smotrich ‘persona non grata’ due to their positions.
It was reported last month that the UK had decided to impose sanctions on the two ministers.
The Netherlands ban comes as France is gearing up toward a potential recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Smotrich and other ministers have threatened to accelerate plans for an illegal annexation of the occupied West Bank if France and other EU states make efforts to recognize Palestine.