Slovenia has blacklisted Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over allegations of promoting ‘ethnic cleansing’ of Palestinians and inciting violence
Slovenia has declared Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir as ‘persona non grata’ following allegations that they are promoting the ‘ethnic cleansing’ of Palestinians and inciting violence. The Slovenian Foreign Ministry accused the two ministers of making ‘genocidal statements’ and advocating for the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Both Smotrich, a leader of the Religious Zionism Party, and Ben-Gvir, head of the nationalist Otzma Yehudit party, are known for their far-right views and controversial positions regarding the Gaza conflict and the West Bank. Their actions have drawn international condemnation, particularly from European nations, which are closely monitoring Israel’s compliance with aid promises to the Palestinian enclave. The decision coincides with broader discussions about potential sanctions on Israel and its leaders, which the EU has delayed for further review.