Slovenia blacklists hardline Israeli ministers for violence in Gaza
(MENAFN) Slovenia has declared Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir persona non grata, barring them from entering the country due to what it described as “genocidal statements” and incitement to violence against Palestinians.
Both ministers, influential figures in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, are known for their far-right stances and controversial remarks regarding the Gaza conflict and West Bank settlements.
The Slovenian Foreign Ministry accused Smotrich and Ben-Gvir of promoting the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank and endorsing violence and severe human rights abuses against Palestinians. It said their rhetoric and actions effectively support the ethnic cleansing of Gaza and the West Bank.
Ben-Gvir, leader of the extremist Otzma Yehudit party and overseer of the police, has a history of refusing to act against Israeli settlers implicated in attacks on Palestinians. Smotrich, head of the Religious Zionism Party, openly advocates for annexing Palestinian territories.
Both have also proposed cutting off humanitarian aid to Gaza to pressure Hamas into releasing Israeli hostages.
Slovenia’s decision follows recent moves by other countries: the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway imposed sanctions last month on the two ministers for inciting violence against Palestinian communities. Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers recently postponed sanctions on Israel, opting to monitor Israel’s commitments to increase aid to Gaza.
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