Israel Revokes Diplomatic Status for Dutch Diplomats in Ramallah

Israel announced on Sunday that it has revoked the diplomatic status of Dutch diplomats representing the Netherlands to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah. This action is a direct response to Dutch sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Earlier this month, Israel ordered the closure of the British Consulate in East Jerusalem, which represented Britain to the Palestinian Authority, following similar sanctions announced by London that prohibit imports from settlements. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated on X that the Dutch diplomats working in Ramallah must return their Israeli-issued diplomatic documents within seven days, marking the expiration of their privileges and immunities. "Any country that acts in a hostile and unilateral manner towards Israel will lose its influence and importance in the region," Katz added.

The Dutch Foreign Ministry declined to comment. The Dutch ban on importing goods produced in settlements took effect last week. In August, Israel expelled Dutch diplomats from a US-led coordination center for Gaza located in Israel, citing what the Foreign Ministry described as "hostile actions against Israel."

Many countries, including the Netherlands, have diplomats representing them to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah who reside in East Jerusalem. Israel typically grants these diplomats specific privileges under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. France and Canada also joined Britain this month in announcing bans on goods from settlements, but Israel has not taken action against them.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government faces increasing diplomatic isolation from many allies due to its policies in Gaza and the West Bank over the past few years.