Israel-related Travel Bans

Norman Finkelstein

Banned by Israel

Norman Finkelstein is an American political scientist, author, and activist. In May 2008, Finkelstein was denied entry to Israel, according to unnamed Shin Bet security officials, because "of suspicions involving hostile elements in Lebanon" and because he "did not give a full accounting to interrogators with regard to these suspicions." Finkelstein had visited south Lebanon and met with Lebanese families during the 2006 Lebanon War. He was banned from entering Israel for 10 years.

Norman Finkelstein
Norman Finkelstein in 2013

Wikipedia: Norman Finkelstein

Yanis Varoufakis

Banned by Germany

Yanis Varoufakis is a Greek economist, academic, author, and politician. In 2015, he served as Minister of Finance in the government of Alexis Tsipras, during the 2009–2018 Greek government-debt crisis, where he became internationally known for opposing EU-imposed austerity measures.

In April 2024, Varoufakis organized a three-day event in Berlin that was described as a pro-Palestinian conference. The German Interior Ministry issued an entry and political activity ban against him, prohibiting him from stepping foot in Germany or participating in any political events there, even via video conference like Zoom.

Yanis Varoufakis
Yanis Varoufakis in 2019

Wikipedia: Yanis Varoufakis

Cenk Uygur

Banned by the UK

Cenk Uygur, founder and host of The Young Turks, was banned from entering the United Kingdom by the UK Home Office on June 3, 2026.

Cenk Uygur
Cenk Uygur in 2024

Hasan Piker

Banned by the UK

Hasan Piker is a political commentator and streamer who has frequently criticized Israel and the Gaza genocide. He was banned from entering the United Kingdom by the British Home Office, on the grounds that his presence "may not be conducive to the public good".

Hasan Piker
Hasan Piker in 2026

Wikipedia: Hasan Piker

Itamar ⁠Ben-Gvir

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has been banned from entering Ireland, France, and Poland. Also, the U.K., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway banned him in the past.

Itamar ⁠Ben-Gvir
Itamar ⁠Ben-Gvir

Wikipedia: Itamar Ben-Gvir

France 24: France bans far-right Israeli minister Ben-Gvir from French territory

BBC: Ireland issues travel bans for two Israeli ministers