Czech border police have denied entry to an Israeli reservist alleged to have participated in war-crime incidents in Gaza, according to a report published in the early hours of 30 October 2025 by Press TV. The unnamed soldier, who attempted to transit through Prague’s Václav Havel Airport en route to a private security assignment, was flagged by an Interpol notice citing “credible allegations of involvement in genocidal acts.”
Following consultation with the Ministry of the Interior, officers invoked Section 9 of the Czech Foreigners Act, which permits refusal of entry on grounds of national security or serious international-law violations. The individual was returned on the next outbound flight to Tel Aviv. Authorities also placed a five-year Schengen-area ban on the traveller and notified the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust).
The incident is the first public test of a June 2025 amendment to Czech immigration law aligning national practice with the EU Magnitsky-style human-rights sanctions regime. Legal experts say the case signals a tougher Czech stance on universal-jurisdiction offenses and could complicate mobility for military personnel implicated in ongoing conflicts.
Employers involved in defence or private security should expect enhanced vetting at Czech borders and build extra lead time for staff transits. Human-rights groups welcomed the move but urged Prague to publish clearer guidance so airlines can pre-screen passengers and avoid costly turn-arounds.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has requested clarification through diplomatic channels. Czech officials stressed that the decision was an administrative measure, not a political statement, and that bilateral visa-waiver arrangements remain unaffected.
Following consultation with the Ministry of the Interior, officers invoked Section 9 of the Czech Foreigners Act, which permits refusal of entry on grounds of national security or serious international-law violations. The individual was returned on the next outbound flight to Tel Aviv. Authorities also placed a five-year Schengen-area ban on the traveller and notified the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust).
The incident is the first public test of a June 2025 amendment to Czech immigration law aligning national practice with the EU Magnitsky-style human-rights sanctions regime. Legal experts say the case signals a tougher Czech stance on universal-jurisdiction offenses and could complicate mobility for military personnel implicated in ongoing conflicts.
Employers involved in defence or private security should expect enhanced vetting at Czech borders and build extra lead time for staff transits. Human-rights groups welcomed the move but urged Prague to publish clearer guidance so airlines can pre-screen passengers and avoid costly turn-arounds.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has requested clarification through diplomatic channels. Czech officials stressed that the decision was an administrative measure, not a political statement, and that bilateral visa-waiver arrangements remain unaffected.
