Israel strips Dutch diplomats’ status over settlement goods ban

Israel is revoking the diplomatic status of Dutch diplomats in the West Bank city of Ramallah in the latest pushback against the Netherlands’ ban on goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in occupied territories.

In a statement on social media, Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar said the diplomats must return their Israeli-issued diplomatic documents within seven days, after which their diplomatic privileges and immunities will expire. He said the move was intended as a response to the ban that came into force last week.

“If the Netherlands wishes to continue representing its interests with the Palestinians, it may do so from Palestinian Authority territory, rather than from the territory of the State of Israel,” he said.

Dutch foreign minister Berendsen said in response that the move was “unnecessary” and that he “deeply regrets” it, adding that the ban on settlement goods “is not directed at Israel” but rather an obligation to comply with international law.

Last month, Israel expelled two Dutch officials from the US-backed centre in Kiryat Gat that coordinates the Gaza ceasefire.

Settlement ban
The Netherlands is the main EU import hub for goods produced in settlements in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights – all of which are considered occupied under international law.

The cabinet agreed to the ban in May. It covers imports of and trade in settlement goods, and also applies to Dutch companies operating abroad.

Saar said that “Israel will not ignore measures intended to harm it. Any country that acts in a hostile and unilateral manner against Israel will lose influence and relevance in the region.”

He also spoke of “growing antisemitism and incitement openly seen on the streets of the Netherlands. Not only are this antisemitism and incitement not being seriously addressed, but the anti-Israel policies of the Dutch Government are fueling them.”

Saar did not specify what he was referring to. This spring there were four attacks on Jewish and pro-Israel targets in the Netherlands, which Dutch investigators believe were coordinated by an Iraqi man arrested in the US. Experts have said the attacks were very likely directed by Iran.

Economic ties
Despite the dispute over settlement goods, the Netherlands is the biggest destination for Israeli capital in the world, holding €44.9 billion in investment in 2024 – nearly four times as much as the US, according to research by Amsterdam-based corporate watchdog SOMO.

It is also the world’s second biggest investor into Israel, with €27.3 billion invested there in 2024 alone.

Earlier this month, more than 230 former Dutch ministers, ambassadors, diplomats and civil servants called on the cabinet to take tougher measures against Israel, including a full arms embargo and the suspension of the European Union’s trade agreement with the country.