Dutch Government Declares Israeli Ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir "Persona Non Grata" Over Gaza Policy

 In a dramatic diplomatic escalation, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Waldekamp announced Monday night that the Netherlands has officially declared Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir as persona non grata, barring them from entering the Schengen Area.

The decision followed an emergency cabinet meeting in The Hague to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and growing concerns over Israeli government policies in the West Bank.

“The cabinet has decided to declare Ministers Yisrael Smotrich and Ben Gvir as 'persona non grata' and is obliged to register them as undesirable aliens in the Schengen registration system,” Waldekamp stated during a press briefing.

Citing Incitement and Human Rights Violations

The Dutch government cited what it described as repeated incitement to settler violence, support for the expansion of illegal settlements, and calls for ethnic cleansing in Gaza by the two ministers.

“These ministers have consistently advocated for policies that go against international law and basic human rights,” said Waldekamp. “Such behavior is incompatible with the values upheld by the European Union.”

In addition to the ban, the Israeli ambassador to the Netherlands has been summoned for a formal reprimand and to receive a call from the Dutch government urging Israel to "change course" in Gaza and the West Bank.

President Herzog Slams Dutch PM 

In a strong response, Israeli President Isaac Herzog criticized the Dutch Prime Minister for what he called a “distortion” of their recent conversation. According to Herzog, the Dutch leader ignored Israel’s humanitarian efforts and the ongoing plight of hostages held by Hamas.

“European steps against Israel would be a serious mistake,” Herzog warned. “Israel is leading significant humanitarian efforts, and this reality is being deliberately overlooked.”

Herzog emphasized that Hamas bears primary responsibility for the civilian crisis in Gaza, citing the group's continued use of civilian infrastructure for terror operations and its refusal to release hostages abducted during the October 7, 2023 attack.

Mounting European Pressure

The Dutch action reflects mounting European frustration with the conduct of the war in Gaza. Over the past weeks, several European leaders have expressed concerns about civilian casualties, restrictions on humanitarian aid, and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Calls have intensified within the European Union to reassess diplomatic and economic ties with Israel if its government does not shift policy.

Despite this, Israeli officials have signaled they will not yield to international pressure when it comes to national security and hostage recovery efforts.