Poland Issues Five-Year Entry Ban on Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir

"You may not treat Polish citizens who have committed no crime in this way."
— Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski

Poland has imposed a five-year entry ban on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, following a video he posted showing him taunting detained activists from a flotilla seeking to break the blockade of Gaza. The ban was announced by Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński on May 21, 2026, at the request of Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski.

The Incident

On May 20, 2026, Ben-Gvir posted a video in which he waved an Israeli flag and verbally taunted kneeling, restrained detainees, telling them: "Welcome to Israel, we are the landlords."

The detainees were activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy intercepted by Israel while attempting to reach Gaza. The Polish contingent included three members, two of whom were Polish citizens. They were expected to be deported on May 21.

Diplomatic Fallout

Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski summoned the Israeli chargé d'affaires to express outrage and demand a formal apology. In his statement, Sikorski emphasized that the treatment of Polish citizens who had committed no crime was unacceptable.

Wider Reaction

Ben-Gvir's actions drew swift condemnation from multiple international leaders, including:

• Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
• EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas
• The U.S. ambassador to Israel

Even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu distanced himself from the minister, stating that Ben-Gvir's conduct was "not in line with Israel's values."

Background: Strained Ties

The flotilla itself involved approximately 50 ships carrying around 430 activists, according to organizers. Israel intercepted the convoy and detained all participants.

The entry ban adds to a growing list of tensions between Poland and Israel, which have been strained in recent years over both historical disputes and current issues, including the war in Gaza.