Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced on Sunday, 27 September 2026, that the diplomatic accreditation of Dutch officials based in the occupied West Bank would be revoked. This decision comes after the Netherlands began enforcing sanctions on goods from Israeli settlements. The move is a response to the Dutch government's ban on goods imported from Israeli settlements in the Golan Heights, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
The Netherlands was among 12 Western countries that announced coordinated measures targeting goods from Israeli settlements. The ban, which took effect on September 22, applies to both personal baggage and commercial shipments. Dutch authorities have started searching luggage of passengers arriving from Israel at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport for banned goods. This has led to tensions between Israel and the Netherlands.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the diplomats had seven days to hand over their Israeli-issued diplomatic papers. After this period, the diplomatic privileges and immunities granted to them by the State of Israel will expire. Saar emphasized that the move was a response to the Dutch government's actions. The decision affects Dutch officials stationed in the West Bank.
Israel has occupied the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights since 1967. Israeli settlements in these territories are considered illegal under international law. Approximately 500,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank, which is home to around three million Palestinians. The settlements have been a contentious issue in international relations.
The Dutch government's decision to enforce sanctions on goods from Israeli settlements was seen as an important step towards accountability by the Palestinian Authority. Other countries, including France and the UK, have also announced similar measures. The coordinated efforts aim to pressure Israel to reconsider its settlement policies.
The Israeli government's decision to revoke the diplomatic status of Dutch officials has strained relations between the two countries. Israel has previously taken measures against countries that have criticized its settlement policies. In recent days, Israel ordered the closure of the UK consulate in Jerusalem over settlement sanctions.
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and the international community over settlement policies. The Israeli government's actions have been met with criticism from various countries and organizations. The Dutch government's decision to enforce sanctions is part of a broader effort to hold Israel accountable for its actions in the occupied territories.
Key points
- Israel to revoke diplomatic status of Dutch officials in West Bank
- Netherlands enforced sanctions on goods from Israeli settlements
- Israel has occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Golan Heights since 1967
