Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar revoked the credentials of Dutch diplomats in Ramallah, citing the Netherlands' recent ban on imports from Israeli settlements.
Key facts
- •Dutch diplomats in Ramallah must return their Israeli-issued documentation within seven days of the Sunday announcement.
- •The Netherlands began enforcing a ban on goods from Israeli settlements on September 22.
- •The Dutch government cited international legal obligations regarding the status of settlements as the basis for its trade policy.
- •Israel's Ministry of Economy and Industry is reportedly offering financial support to affected companies.
- •The Dutch ban follows similar measures previously implemented by Ireland, Belgium, and Spain.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced on Sunday the revocation of credentials for all Dutch diplomats operating at the Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah. The diplomats have been ordered to return their Israeli-issued documentation within seven days, at which point their diplomatic immunities and rights will expire. Sa’ar stated that the Netherlands may continue to represent its interests with the Palestinians from Palestinian Authority territory, but not from within Israel.
By the numbers
Context of the Trade Ban
The decision follows the Netherlands' enforcement of a national ban on the import, purchase, and sale of goods from Israeli settlements, which took effect on September 22. The Dutch government stated that settlements in occupied territories are unlawful and that the measures fulfill its international legal obligations. The ban applies to goods produced in the West Bank, Golan Heights, and East Jerusalem, even if only partially manufactured there. Violations can result in fines or prison sentences of up to six years.
Israeli Response and Economic Measures
Foreign Minister Sa’ar characterized the Dutch policy as anti-Israel and stated that the government would not allow actions intended to harm Israel to go without a response. In August, Israel had previously expelled Dutch representatives from an international support center in Kiryat Gat due to the import restrictions. According to the Israeli media outlet Calcalist, the Ministry of Economy and Industry plans to offer companies affected by the ban up to 200,000 shekels ($54,000) and assistance in identifying alternative markets, such as India, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates.
Timeline
- August 2026Israel expelled Dutch representatives from an international support center in Kiryat Gat.
- September 22The Netherlands began enforcing a national ban on the import of goods from Israeli settlements.
- SundayForeign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced the revocation of credentials for Dutch diplomats in Ramallah.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Jerusalem Post, Middle East Eye, Middle East Eye.
