Key facts
- Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir canceled his planned trip to New York.
- The cancellation was due to anticipated protests and calls for legal action.
- Human rights groups have urged New York authorities to investigate Ben-Gvir for war crimes.
- Ben-Gvir was scheduled to attend the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit.
- This is not the first time Ben-Gvir has canceled a U.S. visit due to complications.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has canceled a planned trip to New York for the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit, citing concerns over potential protests and growing calls for legal action against him. The decision comes amid efforts by human rights organizations to hold Israeli officials accountable through international legal channels.
The Hind Rajab Foundation, in partnership with the Center for Constitutional Rights, sent a letter to New York Attorney General Letitia James urging her to open a criminal investigation into Ben-Gvir. The groups also requested that James meet with individuals who claim to be victims of Ben-Gvir's actions, including one Palestinian American allegedly subjected to torture in an Israeli prison and participants of flotillas who reported abuse.
Sources familiar with security assessments indicated that officials feared Ben-Gvir could face significant demonstrations and legal challenges in the United States. This marks the second time Ben-Gvir has canceled a U.S. visit, with a previous private holiday trip also being called off due to visa complications.
Several Jewish groups had planned protests against his arrival in New York, with some organizing demonstrations outside the UN and others circulating an open letter with thousands of signatures calling for his prosecution. A UN official confirmed that Ben-Gvir was not yet registered for the summit, which is scheduled for July 7 and 8.