Ben-Gvir cancels US trip citing 'difficulties' in obtaining travel visa

• Itamar Ben-Gvir canceled a planned trip to the United States after reported visa complications.
• The 'Israeli' minister also declared that Donald Trump's reported ceasefire agreement with Iran does not bind 'Israel'.

'Israeli' National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has canceled an upcoming trip to the United States after encountering difficulties obtaining a visa, according to 'Israeli' media reports.

Channel 12 reported Monday that the trip was called off due to issues related to the visa application process. According to Channel 13 journalist Suleiman Maswadeh, the complications stemmed from a requirement that Ben-Gvir provide fingerprints as part of the application procedure.

Maswadeh noted that Ben-Gvir, as a government minister traveling in an official capacity, would typically be expected to use a diplomatic visa, which generally does not require fingerprinting.

However, Ben-Gvir's office said the planned visit was personal rather than official. In a statement cited by Channel 13, the minister's office said he did not want to "exploit his status" and therefore chose to apply for a standard tourist visa instead of a diplomatic one.

No further details were provided regarding the purpose of the trip or whether it will be rescheduled.

The canceled trip came as Ben-Gvir publicly distanced himself from a reported ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran announced by US President Donald Trump.

Writing on X, Ben-Gvir said 'Israel' was not bound by any agreement reached between Washington and Tehran.

"Trump's agreement does not bind us. 'Israel' is not subject to the United States, and we are an independent and sovereign nation," he wrote.

He added that 'Israel' was "not partners to this agreement" and argued that it does not adequately guarantee the country's security.

Ben-Gvir also outlined a series of demands regarding the conflict with Hezbollah, insisting that 'Israel' should not accept any arrangement short of the group's dismantlement.

He said 'Israel' should not withdraw from territory captured during military operations and warned against returning to a situation in which armed groups could operate near communities in northern 'Israel'.