Spain is banning Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering its territory, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares announced on Tuesday afternoon.

The decision was taken as part of Madrid’s “commitment to peace” and stance against “unacceptable violence,” Albares claimed at a press briefing following a Council of Ministers meeting on Israel.

Madrid’s move also came in the wake of Israeli sanctions targeting two Spanish Cabinet members due to their hostility toward the Jewish state.

Ben-Gvir responded on X, writing in a Spanish-language post: “Don’t let me in… but give the people from Gaza free entry into Spain.” Smotrich did not immediately respond to Madrid’s announcement on Tuesday.

On Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister

See Full Page