Poland has banned the Israeli minister from entering the country for five years
Poland has imposed a five-year entry ban on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir following a scandal over the treatment of detained activists from the Global Sumud flotilla. Officials in Warsaw explained the decision by citing the politician’s unacceptable actions and public statements, which drew sharp reactions from several European countries. The situation quickly escalated into a diplomatic conflict with international repercussions.
The ban was announced by Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kervinsky, who noted that the decision has already taken effect and will remain in force for five years.
The reason was the behavior of Itamar Ben-Gvir following the detention by Israeli authorities of activists from the Global Sumud flotilla, among whom were Polish citizens. A video appeared online showing dozens of detainees kneeling while the minister himself held an Israeli flag and shouted a phrase in Hebrew: “Welcome to Israel, we rule here.”
This video sparked a wave of criticism in various countries, and the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the foreign ministries of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy, condemned the politician’s actions. “Inappropriate treatment of Polish citizens will always be met with an appropriate response… Itamar Ben-Gvir has already been officially banned from entering Poland,” stated Marcin Kervinsky.
He also clarified that the relevant documents had already been signed together with Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, and that all records in government systems had been updated.
Warsaw’s decision was one of the toughest diplomatic measures taken in this matter and effectively barred the Israeli minister from visiting Poland in the coming years.
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