16.06.2026 21:40
Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was reported to have been forced to cancel his planned trip to the US due to difficulties in obtaining a visa. It was learned that Ben-Gvir was summoned to the US embassy to provide fingerprints.
It was reported that Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had to cancel his planned trip to the United States due to difficulties obtaining a visa.
CANCELS US TRIP AFTER FAILING TO GET VISA
According to a report by Haaretz, Ben-Gvir applied for a visa at the US Embassy to attend the wedding of Israeli businessman Yaakov Elharar's daughter and for a diplomatic meeting. The report noted that Ben-Gvir canceled his US trip after being invited to the US Embassy to provide fingerprints for the visa process.
US EMBASSY REQUESTS VISA
Israeli media emphasizes that Ben-Gvir, like other ministers, is entitled to a diplomatic visa, but the US Embassy applied an "unusual" procedure by requesting fingerprints from the far-right minister.
A statement from Ben-Gvir's office confirmed that the US Embassy in Israel requested fingerprints for the visa.
TRIP FUNDING ALSO SPARKS CONTROVERSY
According to Haaretz, the fact that the costs of Ben-Gvir's US visit were to be covered by an Israeli businessman also sparked controversy.
The report stated that a committee convened under the Israeli State Comptroller objected to Ben-Gvir's US trip being financed by Israeli businessman Elharar.
It was reported that Ben-Gvir withdrew his request for the trip expenses to be covered by the Israeli businessman following the objection.
In Israel, ministers are allowed to make overseas trips financed by private sources, provided they do not cause conflicts of interest, result in the misuse of public office, or contradict ethical rules.