Diplomatic credentials and immunities have been withdrawn from the diplomatic corps of the Dutch state working in Ramallah, an important step in the diplomatic conflict resulting from the Netherlands’ refusal to import products from the Israeli settlements. Israel Dutch diplomats
The Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated that the Israeli Foreign Ministry has informed the Dutch Embassy in Israel about the need for diplomats from the Palestinian Authority to hand over Israeli diplomatic credentials in seven days. At the end of this period, diplomats will no longer be accorded any diplomatic immunities and other privileges enjoyed by them under Israeli law.
Foreign Ministry officials signaled that if the Netherlands intends to maintain diplomatic engagement with Palestinian authorities, its envoys must base themselves and operate strictly within Palestinian-administered territory rather than working out of accredited offices within Israel.
The diplomatic sanction serves as a direct retaliatory measure following the enforcement of a Dutch national decree prohibiting the import, purchase, and sale of products originating from Israeli settlements across the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. The Dutch government enacted the trade restrictions in alignment with international legal obligations, joining similar European trade measures recently introduced by Ireland, Spain, and Belgium.
The withdrawal of credentials builds on prior administrative actions taken by Israeli authorities against Dutch diplomatic personnel in the region. Israeli officials previously removed the Dutch mission from the international humanitarian coordination hub operating out of Kiryat Gat in southern Israel.
Israeli foreign policy leadership emphasized that nations taking unilateral trade actions targeting Israeli commercial entities will face immediate countermeasures. Israeli officials warned that countries enforcing hostile economic measures will face a diminished operational presence and reduced diplomatic influence across the Middle East.
In response to the trade restrictions, Israel’s Ministry of Economy and Industry announced financial support packages of up to 200,000 shekels ($54,000) for impacted businesses in settlements while assisting exporters in securing alternative international consumer markets. Israel Times
