The Dutch government is introducing a travel ban on two far-right Israeli ministers and has summoned Israel’s ambassador for talks over what it described as an “intolerable and indefensible” situation in Gaza.

In a briefing to MPs, foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp said Israel was failing to meet European commitments on humanitarian access to Gaza. Prime minister Dick Schoof had earlier warned that the Netherlands would take unilateral measures if those obligations were not respected.

One of those measures is a formal summons for the Israeli ambassador to discuss the worsening situation. The Netherlands will again urge Israel to change course and meet its obligations under international humanitarian law.

As part of its response, the cabinet is also imposing an entry ban on Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Both men are now designated as persona non grata in the Netherlands.

The cabinet said the two ministers have repeatedly incited violence against Palestinians, openly called for ethnic cleansing in Gaza and promoted the expansion of illegal settlements.

Veldkamp also announced tighter restrictions on Dutch arms exports to Israel. Some existing licences have been revised and, under current circumstances, new export permits will be “virtually out of the question”, he said.

The Netherlands is also increasing its humanitarian contribution to Gaza. It will donate €1.5 million to the UN’s logistics agency and provide an additional €3 million to the Red Cross, with a particular focus on delivering supplies by land.

Schoof, Veldkamp, defence minister Ruben Brekelmans and the three deputy prime ministers held emergency talks at the Catshuis on Monday, interrupting their summer recess to agree on the measures.

Schoof said after the meeting that the Netherlands would also advocate for EU-wide sanctions. So far, EU member states have been divided, but the current cooperation agreement with Israel is scheduled for review on Tuesday and further European steps could be proposed.

“If the EU decides that Israel is not in compliance…  the Netherlands supports the plan to suspend Israeli participation in the EU research programme Horizon,” Schoof said on social media. “The Netherlands will also press for further European measures, for example in the realm of trade.”

Israeli president Isaac Herzog criticised the Dutch move on social media, calling them a “huge mistake”, especially in light of what he described as Israel’s ongoing efforts to improve humanitarian aid.

He also accused Schoof of misrepresenting the tone and content of their phone conversation. “This tweet does not reflect the spirit and details of the call,” Herzog wrote. He also said Schoof had failed to mention the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza.