Israel's Two Right-wing Ministers Are Not Afraid Despite The Ban On Entry Of The Dutch Government

Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. (Twitter/@FCDOGovoK)

JAKARTA - Two right-wing Israeli ministers were not afraid despite the Dutch government's ban on ethnic cleansing and illegal settlements in Palestine.

The Dutch government declared Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir a non-graft persona, imposing entry bans for their calls for "ethnic cleansing" in the Gaza Strip.

"They have repeatedly incited settlers' violence against Palestinians, encouraged the expansion of illegal settlements, and called for ethnic cleansing in Gaza," Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp told parliament.

Last month, the Netherlands supported Sweden's failed proposal to impose EU sanctions on the two ministers.

In response, Smotrich in a post on social media X wrote, European leaders have surrendered to "radical Islamic lies that are taking over" and "increased antisemitism."

Meanwhile, Ben-Gvir said he would continue to act for Israel, although he was prohibited from entering "all over Europe."

"In a place where terrorism is tolerated and terrorists are welcomed, a Jewish minister from Israel is undesirable, a free terrorist, and Jews are boycotted," he wrote on X.

Foreign Minister Veldkamp said the Netherlands wanted to "relieve the suffering of the people in Gaza" and was exploring further ways to contribute to humanitarian aid.

"Fooddrops are relatively expensive and risky," he said.

"This is why the Netherlands has also taken steps to further support the delivery of aid by land," he continued.

The government will also summon Israel's Ambassador to the Netherlands to urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to change course and "immediately take steps leading to substantial and rapid improvements in humanitarian situations across the Gaza Strip," Foreign Minister Veldkamp wrote.

Foreign Minister Veldkamp further said the Netherlands would encourage the suspension of trade elements from the European Union-Israel Association Agreement if Israel fails to fulfill its humanitarian obligations.

"The summons will also be used to remind Israel to comply with its obligations based on international humanitarian law," he said.

Separately, after speaking by telephone with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said the government's position was "very clear."

"The people of Gaza must be given access immediately, without obstacles, and safe against humanitarian aid," he said.