Israel Revokes Diplomatic Status for Dutch Representatives

Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Saar announced a significant diplomatic retaliation against the Netherlands, ordering the complete revocation of diplomatic status for Dutch representatives operating in Israel within days. This move comes in direct response to the Netherlands' full implementation of an economic boycott on products originating from the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights, which took effect last week.

Saar stated that Dutch diplomats in Ramallah must return their Israeli-issued diplomatic documentation within seven days, after which their immunities and rights granted by Israel will expire. He further declared that Dutch representatives are no longer welcome in Israel and will not hold any diplomatic authority. "If the Netherlands wishes to continue representing its interests with the Palestinians, it can do so from the Palestinian Authority's territory and not from the State of Israel's territory," Saar said.

This action follows previous measures taken against the Netherlands, including the expulsion of the Dutch representation from an international support center for Gaza located in Kiryat Gat. Saar emphasized that Israel will not passively accept actions detrimental to its interests, warning that any country acting hostilely and unilaterally against Israel will lose its influence and relevance in the region.

Additionally, Saar urged the Dutch government to address the escalating antisemitism and incitement openly occurring in the Netherlands. He asserted that this overt antisemitism and incitement are not being adequately addressed and that the Dutch government's anti-Israel policies are fueling it.