Slovenia will ban Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon announced after a cabinet session on Thursday.
Fajon stated that the two will be declared personae non grata following accusations against them inciting "extreme violence and serious violations of the human rights of Palestinians" with "their genocidal statements."
Slovenia will become the first member of the European Union to ban the two ministers.
Recent sanctions against Ben-Gvir, Smotrich
In June, Britain joined Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others in sanctioning the two ministers over comments regarding Gaza and Palestinians that British Foreign Secretary David Lammy described as “monstrous.”
US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens wrote in response: "The United States stands firmly in support of Israel. The United States is deeply concerned by the recent decision to impose sanctions on democratically elected officials of the State of Israel.
"These measures impede constructive dialogue and do not advance our shared goals of supporting peace and security. The United States will continue to focus our collective efforts on defeating Hamas, securing the release of all hostages, helping to create an enduring peace, and promoting Israel’s security and regional prosperity."
This is a developing story.