04.07.2026 21:40
Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has canceled his planned official visit to New York next week to attend the United Nations Police Chiefs Summit. Israeli media reported that the cancellation decision was driven by Ben-Gvir's fear of arrest following planned large-scale protests in New York and calls by human rights organizations to U.S. authorities for his "investigation and detention on war crimes charges."
Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has reportedly canceled his planned visit to New York next week to attend the United Nations Police Chiefs Summit. According to Israeli media, the decision was driven by planned protests and efforts by human rights organizations to have him investigated and detained.
HAARETZ: HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS MOBILIZE
The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that Ben-Gvir decided to cancel his New York visit following appeals by numerous human rights organizations to U.S. authorities and organized protests in the city. According to the report, the organizations demanded that Ben-Gvir be investigated for allegations of war crimes and human rights violations, and that he be detained upon entering the U.S.
HE WAS EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE UN SUMMIT
Ben-Gvir was expected to attend the United Nations Police Chiefs Summit in New York on July 7-8. However, while protest preparations were underway, ministry sources confirmed the visit had been canceled. Numerous pro-Palestinian and Jewish civil society organizations operating in New York had also announced they would hold large-scale demonstrations if Ben-Gvir arrived.
OPEN LETTER CALLS FOR ARREST
Prior to Ben-Gvir's visit, various civil society organizations and activists published an open letter to the New York District Attorney's Office, calling for the far-right Israeli minister to be investigated and detained under international law if he entered U.S. territory.
A FOCAL POINT OF CONTROVERSY
Ben-Gvir, who has been heavily criticized by the international community for his harsh policies and statements toward Palestinians, has long been a target of human rights organizations. The cancellation of his planned New York visit is seen as one of the latest reflections of international pressure.