Dutch Court Upholds Ban on Israeli Settlement Product Imports

A Dutch court has rejected an appeal against new legislation that will restrict trade in products originating from Israeli settlements. The ban is set to take effect on September 22, 2026. The ruling allows the Dutch government to proceed with the legislation, which prohibits the import, purchase, and sale of goods from settlements located outside the "green line," including those in the West Bank, Golan Heights, and East Jerusalem. The Netherlands considers these settlements to be in violation of international law.

The legislation will also impose restrictions on intermediary services that facilitate trade in these goods or attempt to circumvent the new measures. Products expected to be affected include wine, perfumes, tahini, and halva. The ban is not limited to a single type of commodity or business sector.

The legal challenge was brought by the "Israel Products Center," a pro-Israel Christian organization based in the Netherlands, which sought to overturn the restrictions before their implementation. The court's rejection of the appeal means the September 22, 2026, implementation date remains in place.

Peter van Oordt of the Israel Products Center expressed disappointment, stating the ban would have "far-reaching and disproportionate consequences" for the center, Israel, the Jewish community, and Palestinian workers whose livelihoods depend on the affected businesses. He indicated the center would review the ruling and consider its next steps, while reaffirming its 45-year commitment to supporting Israeli companies within legal boundaries.

This Dutch decision comes amid growing international scrutiny of trade with settlements. The United Kingdom recently announced its own import ban on settlement products, and 11 other countries, including France and Canada, have issued a joint statement regarding potential trade restrictions.