Czechia Backs Ben Gvir: We Will Block EU Sanctions

Czechia will block EU attempts to impose sanctions on Israel’s national security minister, according to Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Macinka said: “Czechia will block attempts by the European Union to impose sanctions on Israel’s national security minister. We will not allow any more sanctions against Israel in the European Union, even if it means we have to block them alone.”

The warning follows growing European pressure over Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Several countries criticized his conduct toward Gaza flotilla activists, while France barred him from entering French territory and called for wider EU sanctions.

Prague Stands With Israel

Macinka framed Czechia’s position as practical and strategic, not performative. He said the Czech government wants to strengthen political and economic ties with Israel and other countries, instead of “exporting moral lectures.”

The stance fits Czechia’s record as one of Israel’s strongest friends in Europe. In May, Macinka welcomed Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to Prague and opened a Czech-Israeli business forum with more than 50 Israeli companies and institutions.

That relationship is not new. Czech leaders have repeatedly treated Israel as a strategic partner, with official visits that reflect Prague’s long-standing respect for the Jewish state and its historic capital.

In that meeting with Sa’ar, Macinka said Czechia would stand by Israel and oppose more EU trade sanctions, even if it had to act alone. That message has now become a broader red line against efforts to isolate Israeli officials.

A European Red Line

For Israel, Czechia’s position matters. EU sanctions often serve as political pressure while Israel fights terror, Iranian influence, and international delegitimization.

Macinka’s message tells Brussels that not every European government will join symbolic punishment against Israeli officials. It also shows that Israel still has serious allies in Europe who prefer security cooperation to political lectures.

Czechia’s stand sends a clear signal at a critical moment. Israel is not alone in the European arena, and Prague will not let the EU isolate the Jewish state without a fight.