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Ben Gwir (left) and Bezlel Smotrich (right) in the Israeli Parliament.
The Netherlands have banned Israeli Finance Minister Bezlel Smotrich and security minister Ityar Ben-Gwir entry into the country. They are accused of promoting violence in Gaza. Prior to the Netherlands, 6 countries have banned the arrival of these two leaders in their country.
Dutch External Affairs Minister Casper Weldcamp said on Monday that the decision has been taken because these ministers have repeatedly promoted violence against Palestinians, advocated the expansion of illegal Jewish settlements and spoke of ethnic elimination in Gaza.
Weldcamp also said that the Israeli Ambassador to the Netherlands would be summoned and appealed to them to ask the Netanyahu government to change their attitude. Describing the current situation as bad, he said that the Netherlands is also ready to increase the pressure for the ceasefire on Hamas.
Since the launch of the Israeli military campaign in October 2023, 147 people have been killed by starvation so far.
Ben Gwir said- Europe with the culprits
Israeli minister Itmar Ben Gwir expressed displeasure over this decision of the Netherlands. He said on Tuesday that even if he is stopped from entering the entire Europe, he will continue to work for Israel. He demanded to end Hamas and support Israeli soldiers. He accused Europe that the victims are always convicted there.
Ben-Gwir said that Europe is a place where terrorism is tolerated and terrorists are welcomed. Terrorists are roaming free there and the Jews are being boycotted.
Ben-Gwir has previously been convicted in the case of inciting racism in Israel and supporting a terrorist organization. However, he is now the National Security Minister of Israel and Smotrich Finance Minister.
Tension in Israel-Netherlands increased
Meanwhile, the tension between Israel and Netherlands on Monday further increased when Dutch Prime Minister Mark Shuff spoke of taking strict European steps against Israel due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Shuf told on social media that he has called an emergency meeting with his Foreign Minister, Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers to discuss Gaza’s ‘frightening situation’. Shuf said that the Netherlands supports Gaza immediately and unconditionally supports humanitarian aid.
Israeli President warns EU
In response to the Dutch Prime Minister’s warning, Israel President Isaac Herzog also reacted. He wrote on Twitter, “Sorry Prime Minister, but your tweet does not show the correct glimpse of our phone conversation.”
Hajog also said that if the European Union takes any step against Israel, it would be a big mistake, because Israel is currently working continuously to help people in Gaza.
