Israel Revokes Diplomatic Status for Dutch Representatives Over Boycott

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced on Sunday evening a series of firm measures against the Netherlands in response to the Dutch government's implementation of an economic boycott on products from Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. Sa'ar stated that Dutch diplomats stationed in Ramallah must return all diplomatic documents issued by Israel within seven days. Failure to comply will result in the revocation of their immunities and privileges.

Sa'ar clarified that Dutch representatives will no longer be permitted to conduct diplomatic activities within Israel. "If the Netherlands wishes to continue representing its interests vis-à-vis the Palestinians, they can do so from the territories of the Palestinian Authority, but not from the territory of the State of Israel," he said. This action follows previous measures against the Netherlands, including the withdrawal of the Dutch mission from the International Support Center for Gaza in Kiryat Gat.

The Foreign Minister affirmed Israel's commitment to countering hostile actions, warning that countries acting unilaterally against Israel will lose regional influence. He also criticized the Dutch government's handling of rising antisemitism, accusing it of inaction and indirect complicity, suggesting that the Dutch anti-Israel policy fuels these issues.

Separately, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee strongly criticized the Dutch import ban on products from Israeli settlements. He cited an incident where passengers on an El Al flight from Tel Aviv to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport faced special customs checks for souvenirs from Bethlehem, calling the situation "absurd."