Spain bans 'Israeli' ministers Smotrich, Ben Gvir from country

Spain announced Tuesday that 'Israeli' National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich will be barred from entering the country, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed.

The move follows a sweeping set of measures unveiled Monday by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, which he described as aimed at “stopping the genocide in Gaza.” The package includes a full arms embargo on 'Israel', bans on shipping and air traffic linked to the 'Israeli' military, restrictions on goods from 'Israeli' settlements, and limitations on consular aid.

Spain also pledged EURO 150 million in aid to Gaza through 2026 and expanded support for the Palestinian Authority. The measures target officials suspected of involvement in human rights abuses, codifying sanctions that now explicitly include Ben-Gvir and Smotrich.

Albares indicated that the decision was a direct response to Israel’s barring of two Spanish ministers following the announcement of Spain’s sanctions package.

“These measures are part of a firm commitment to uphold international law and protect civilians in Gaza,” Sánchez said, emphasizing that the government is taking “practical steps to prevent further escalation of violence.”

The new sanctions mark one of the most assertive European responses yet to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, signaling heightened tensions between Madrid and Jerusalem.