Israel Mulls Further Retaliation Against Netherlands Over Settlement Goods Ban

Israel is preparing additional retaliatory measures against the Netherlands following a Dutch court decision that upheld trade restrictions on products from Israeli settlements. The ban is set to take effect on September 22. Israel has already taken a first step, barring Dutch representatives from participating in the international coordination center in Kiryat Gat, which deals with Gaza-related issues. A political source told Maariv that discussions on further actions are ongoing, though specific measures have not yet been announced. Israel maintains that political and economic actions against it will not go unanswered.

The Dutch decision prohibits the import, purchase, and sale of goods wholly or partially produced in specific Israeli settlements, including those in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights, as well as related intermediary services. The Dutch government stated the measure aims to avoid supporting economic activities linked to settlement expansion and to increase pressure on the Israeli government. Previous attempts by the Netherlands to achieve similar measures at the EU level did not gain sufficient support.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approval, ordered the exclusion of Dutch representatives from the Kiryat Gat center. While initially reported that Dutch diplomats would have to leave Israel, the Netherlands clarified they could continue working in other capacities but would be denied access to the center's activities. The Israeli Foreign Ministry explained the decision as a response to a series of Dutch government actions perceived as hostile.

Sa'ar stated that countries taking steps against Israel should not expect to participate in regional mechanisms dependent on Israeli cooperation. The exclusion from the Kiryat Gat center may be the first phase of a broader diplomatic response, a tactic Israel previously employed against Spain. Israeli sources have reportedly dismissed the possibility of similar actions against Germany and Italy, distinguishing between political disagreements and hostile actions.

The primary risk for Israel may not be direct economic damage but the potential for similar national measures to be adopted by other European states. The Dutch government pursued this independent path after failing to secure an EU-wide agreement and intends to continue advocating for such measures at the EU level. However, Israeli political sources do not anticipate an automatic chain reaction, noting that such decisions depend on individual European countries' governments, parliamentary balances, and political situations.

Meanwhile, a pro-Israel demonstration is being organized in Amsterdam, with participants expected from across the Netherlands. A counter-demonstration supporting the Palestinian cause has also been announced. Dutch customs have issued instructions to businesses, confirming that compliance with the new rules will be monitored starting September 22.