Israel’s national security minister cancels US trip amid visa issues

Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, has cancelled a planned family visit to the United States after encountering difficulties obtaining a visa.

The politician and his wife had planned to attend the wedding of the daughter of an Israeli businessman in Florida, Caliber.Az reports, citing Haaretz.

According to Israeli media reports, the US Embassy requested that Ben Gvir appear in person for fingerprinting and an interview. Despite holding a diplomatic passport, he submitted his application as an ordinary tourist and ultimately decided not to proceed with the trip, fearing the visa would not be issued in time for departure.

His office emphasised that the visit was primarily private in nature and that Ben Gvir did not wish to use his official position for personal travel.

Experts note that the episode reflects a growing distance between the far-right wing of the Israeli cabinet and Washington amid Middle East peace efforts.

By Jeyhun Aghazada