Jakarta, ThedailyID — Itamar Ben-Gvir canceled a planned family trip to the United States after reportedly encountering difficulties in obtaining a visa.
According to Israeli media reports, the U.S. Embassy informed Ben Gvir that he needed to appear in person to provide biometric fingerprints as part of the visa application process.
However, several Israeli outlets interpreted the requirement as a sign that U.S. authorities were reluctant to approve his visa.
The controversy comes as Ben Gvir continues to face criticism over a series of provocative actions that have drawn international attention.
Several countries, including Spain, have already barred the Israeli minister from entering their territories.
Critics have pointed to his treatment of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, who Israeli authorities detained earlier this month.
Following the arrests, Ben Gvir posted a video on social media mocking pro-Palestinian activists at Ashdod Port.
The footage showed activists with their hands tied behind their backs. Some were forced to kneel while Israeli personnel escorted them.
Observers also continue to scrutinize Ben Gvir’s actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites.
On several occasions, he visited the compound despite ongoing tensions surrounding access and religious practices at the location.
Under longstanding international arrangements, Muslims hold exclusive prayer rights at Al-Aqsa. Meanwhile, visitors of other faiths may enter the site during designated hours but cannot conduct religious rituals there.
Despite the canceled trip, neither U.S. officials nor Ben Gvir’s office have publicly commented on whether the visa process remains active.
