Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders has criticised the government’s change of position on Israel and called for an explanation of how the rethink was decided.

Wilders, leader of the biggest party in parliament but not officially part of the government, is a staunch supporter of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a vocal advocate for Israel.

On Wednesday, Dutch foreign affairs minister Caspar Veldkamp accused Israel of breaching human rights law with its plan to permanently occupy the Gaza region, and called for a review of Israel’s free trade agreement with the EU.

Veldkamp’s comments represent the strongest criticism of Israel from the Dutch government since its bombardment of Gaza began in response to the Hamas terrorist attacks in October 2023.

Veldkamp, Wilders said on social media, is a “weak minister” and he demanded to know whether the rest of the cabinet – including PVV ministers – were involved in the decision to change course.

Foreign trade minister Reinette Klever, a member of the PVV, is usually involved in relevant diplomatic decisions.

Neither Klever nor Veldkamp have commented publicly, although Veldkamp has said: “Of course I do not do this on my own.” Klever previously described the Israeli killing of 15 aid workers last month as “disgusting and unacceptable”.

Prime minister Dick Schoof said on Thursday that he fully supported Veldkamp. “That is unity in cabinet policy,” he told broadcaster NOS.

The issue of how the decision was taken is likely to come up at Friday’s cabinet meeting, although it is unlikely that Veldkamp – himself a former Dutch ambassador to Israel – will face pressure to reconsider.

Support for Israel’s actions in Gaza has been declining, even among PVV voters, and Wilders is well aware of the political shift.

The CDA has now added its voice to that of the left-wing opposition, saying it no longer wants to defend the “silence over war crimes” and Veldkamp’s own party, the VVD, has also said that “the moment is fast approaching to change strategy.”

Dutch aid groups working in the region have welcomed the cabinet’s change of position, saying it is “better late than never”.