Israel Revokes Diplomatic Status for Dutch Diplomats in West Bank

Israel has revoked the diplomatic status of Dutch diplomats stationed in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, effective Sunday. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Minister Gidon Sa'ar informed the Dutch Embassy that diplomats must return their Israeli-issued diplomatic documents within seven days. Following this period, their "immunities and rights in Israel" will cease.

This action is a direct response to recent measures taken by the Dutch government against Israel, specifically its ban on the import and trade of products originating from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. The Dutch ban, which took effect last Tuesday, applies to commercial imports by companies and personal luggage of travelers.

Dutch customs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague stated that the ban also prohibits Dutch companies operating abroad from engaging in trade with settlements. Violators face potential penalties including up to six years in prison or a fine of up to 103,000 euros.

The dispute between Israel and the Netherlands escalated in late August when Israel expelled two Dutch security and diplomatic representatives working at a coordination center for the Gaza Strip. At the time, Foreign Minister Sa'ar described the expulsion as a direct response to the boycott law. Dutch Foreign Minister Brenden Brendensen called Israel's move "unnecessary" and affirmed the Netherlands' commitment to proceeding with the settlement product ban.