Tilburg University has halted its alliance with two Israeli universities, following the recommendations of a special commission.

The commission, made up of four professors, said last December that Tilburg should cut its ties with Bar-Ilan and Reichman universities near Tel Aviv because there was an “inseparable link” between them and the Israeli army.

Tilburg said it had invited the Israeli institutions to talk, but that “it proved impossible to engage in dialogue about the risks our collaboration may pose in relation to systematic and gross violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

“We have therefore decided to unilaterally suspend institutional cooperation,” the university said.

Talks with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem are “constructive” and still ongoing, Tilburg said in a press statement.

“It is important to maintain a relation with critical voices within Israeli society. This university came across as being critical, and for that reason, we will continue the dialogue for the time being and will not make a decision at this time regarding the future of our collaboration with this partner.”

Amsterdam University earlier stopped its exchange student programme with the Hebrew University, but does still work with other Israeli institutions.

At Radboud University in Nijmegen, a commission has recommended breaking ties with the Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University, and a decision will be taken next week.