Israel Warns Travelers to Netherlands Over 'Humiliating' Customs Searches
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel warning to Israelis planning to visit the Netherlands, citing reports of lengthy and "humiliating" customs inspections of luggage belonging to passengers arriving from Israel. The warning comes after a Dutch decree banning goods originating from the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights went into effect on September 22. Violating this decree is considered a criminal offense punishable by fines and potentially imprisonment.
The ministry stated it is investigating the reports, including the scope and practical application of the decree. "The Israeli government views the matter with gravity and has taken steps to respond," the ministry announced, adding that the Foreign Ministry and the Israeli Embassy in The Hague are monitoring the situation and will provide updates.
Reports from travelers arriving on a direct flight from Tel Aviv to Schiphol Airport described intensified searches, with some passengers reportedly asked to rescan their luggage. Searches allegedly included questions and physical inspections for items like wine, dates, and olives from the West Bank, East Jerusalem, or the Golan Heights. However, official confirmation that Dutch authorities had begun enforcing the decree through targeted searches of travelers from Israel was not immediately available.
Members of the Jewish community in Amsterdam offered mixed accounts. One individual suggested the searches were part of routine random checks, with no unusual tightening of procedures or expected detentions. Another noted that while the number of passengers searched didn't seem higher than usual, it was the first time travelers from Israel were questioned about products from the West Bank and Golan.
In response to the decree and the reported searches, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz informed the Dutch Embassy in Israel that Dutch diplomats working in Ramallah would be required to return their Israeli-issued diplomatic documents within seven days, after which their associated immunities and privileges would be revoked.
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