Israel has taken action against the Netherlands by revoking the diplomatic status of Dutch diplomats following new sanctions imposed by the Dutch government on Israeli settlements. The decision came after the Netherlands introduced a ban on the import and sale of goods from settlements in Israeli-occupied territory.
The Netherlands implemented its measure on September 22 and it is considered more strict than similar actions taken by other countries. Dutch officials say the measure applies to goods from settlements considered unlawful under international law.
Israel said diplomats at the Netherlands’ Representative Office in Ramallah must return their Israeli-issued diplomatic documents within seven days.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Israel would not ignore actions meant to harm its interests. He added that the Dutch delegation had been removed from the International Support Center for Gaza in Kiryat Gat last month.
The center is involved in humanitarian aid efforts and serves as a point of contact for international support in Gaza. This diplomatic response comes amid broader tensions between Israel and the Netherlands over settlement policies.
Israel has also been engaging in high-level foreign diplomacy including a surprise visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Abu Dhabi. The visit was unannounced and took place on Sunday according to a senior Israeli official who spoke with Reuters.
During the trip Netanyahu met UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.