Israel has revoked the diplomatic credentials of Dutch officials working in the occupied West Bank, marking an escalation in tensions between the two countries over the Netherlands’ recent restrictions on goods from Israeli settlements. The decision was announced by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who stated that the Dutch Embassy had been notified that its diplomats operating in Ramallah must return their Israeli-issued diplomatic documents within seven days.
This development follows the Netherlands’ implementation of restrictions on September 22, which target goods originating from Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Israel has been vocally opposed to international measures that single out its settlements, often criticizing countries that impose such restrictions or take similar actions concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Foreign Minister Sa’ar indicated that Dutch officials wishing to continue their work in the West Bank could do so with authorization from the Palestinian Authority. This move by Israel underscores the growing diplomatic disputes it faces with several European nations over its settlement policies and the broader situation in the Palestinian territories.
The revocation of diplomatic credentials further strains the relationship between Israel and the Netherlands, highlighting the international divide over the legality and recognition of Israeli settlements. It also reflects the broader geopolitical tensions involving European countries’ positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.