Israel imposes measures on Dutch diplomats after Amsterdam’s decision

AMSTERDAM, September 28 – Israel has decided to strip Dutch diplomats working in Ramallah, in the West Bank, of their diplomatic status, in response to the Netherlands’ decision to ban imports of products from Israeli settlements, which are considered illegal under international law in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said he regrets Israel’s decision, calling it unnecessary.

He stressed that the Dutch ban is not directed against the state of Israel, but relates to the Netherlands’ obligations under international law not to support a situation deemed illegal — in this case the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Berendsen summoned the Israeli ambassador to the Netherlands to demand explanations.

He said that if Israel does not reverse the decision, the affected diplomats must leave the territory within seven days.

It has not been disclosed how many Dutch diplomats are affected by the decision.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Saar announced yesterday that Dutch diplomats working in Ramallah must hand over their Israel-issued diplomatic documents within seven days.

Saar said Israel will not allow measures that, in his view, aim to harm the country.

He also accused the Netherlands of a hostile stance and warned of “antisemitism and incitement of hatred” on Dutch streets.

Why did the clash begin?

The Netherlands began last week to enforce the ban on importing, buying and selling products from Israeli settlements, which it considers illegal in the Palestinian territories.

Relations between Israel and the Netherlands have been close for decades, but have grown increasingly tense since the start of the war in Gaza.

In the Netherlands, political calls for sanctions against Israel have also increased, while criticism has grown of the way Israel is using force in Gaza.

Last year, the Netherlands was among the countries that boycotted the Eurovision Song Contest over Israel’s participation.

The Netherlands has stated it aims to take part again in 2027.