Following reports of the mistreatment of Polish citizens, the Polish Minister of the Interior has formally barred Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the country for five years.
Formal Entry Ban Confirmed
On Thursday, May 21, Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński announced on X that he had initiated a formal procedure to include Itamar Ben-Gvir in the registry of undesirable foreigners. Kierwiński confirmed that the necessary documents have been signed and the ban is now officially active in Polish systems, noting that he shares the same position as Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski.
Kierwiński emphasized that the poor treatment of Polish citizens will always be met with a reaction, regardless of who is responsible for such behavior.
Controversial Footage and Global Backlash
The decision follows the release of a video by the Israeli National Security Minister showing him mocking activists detained from the Global Sumud Flotilla. The footage displayed dozens of activists kneeling on the ground while Ben-Gvir waved an Israeli flag and declared, “Welcome to Israel, we are the ones in charge here.”
The video sparked international criticism, with the foreign ministries of Poland, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy condemning the behavior.
Calls for EU Sanctions
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that he has requested the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, to include the discussion of sanctions against Ben-Gvir in the next meeting of EU foreign ministers.
Tajani stated that these sanctions would be a response to the “unacceptable actions” taken against the flotilla, including the detention of activists in international waters and their subsequent humiliation, which he described as a violation of fundamental human rights.
Release of Polish Detainees
Among those detained by Israel were two Polish citizens. Following the release of the footage, Radosław Sikorski summoned the Israeli chargé d’affaires to the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to express official indignation.
Ministry spokesperson Maciej Wewiór confirmed that the detained Polish citizens have been released from prison and are currently en route to Turkey. They were expected to depart Israel on Thursday.
