Israel Retaliates Against Dutch Ban on Goods from West Bank, Golan

Israel has responded to the Netherlands' ban on goods originating from the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights by demanding that Dutch diplomats working in Ramallah return their Israeli-issued diplomatic documents within seven days. Foreign Minister Gidon Saar informed the Dutch embassy of this requirement, according to Channel 14. Failure to comply will result in the revocation of privileges and immunities granted to these diplomats by Israel. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that if the Netherlands wishes to represent its interests to Palestinians, it should do so from territory controlled by the Palestinian Authority, not from sovereign Israeli territory.

This diplomatic action follows a previous measure last month when Saar ordered the removal of a Dutch delegation from the International Center for Support of Gaza in Kiryat Gat, an order that has been fully implemented. "We reiterate that Israel will not ignore measures aimed at harming it and will take decisive action against any such attempt," an Israeli statement declared, warning that "any country acting hostilely and unilaterally against Israel will lose its influence and significance in the region."

The Dutch restrictions, effective September 22, prohibit travelers entering the Netherlands from carrying products from the specified areas in their personal luggage, including items for personal use, souvenirs, and gifts. Dutch customs officials are authorized to inspect luggage and question travelers about the origin of goods. Passengers arriving in Amsterdam from Tel Aviv on El Al flights have reported baggage searches for prohibited items. While travelers can voluntarily surrender such goods, customs officers have the authority to confiscate them and initiate legal proceedings.

Dutch authorities emphasize that the ban applies only to products fully or partially produced or obtained in the specified territories and does not extend to goods from Israel within its pre-1967 borders. Israeli diplomatic sources also criticized the Dutch government's broader policy, alleging insufficient action against rising anti-Semitism and incitement within the Netherlands, suggesting that Amsterdam's anti-Israel stance contributes to these phenomena.