Israel Summons Netherlands Ambassador Over Critical Remarks

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the country's ambassador to the Netherlands, Tzvi Aviner Vapni, to Jerusalem for an explanation following his critical remarks about Israeli government members and settlers published in the European press. The ministry's leadership demanded the diplomat account for his recent public statements, which were made during an interview with the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad.

According to Ynet, Ambassador Vapni expressed strong disagreement with the rhetoric of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. When asked by a journalist if he considered these politicians extremists, Vapni reportedly affirmed, stating they had made unacceptable remarks and he saw no reason to defend their positions internationally.

The ambassador also characterized a radical segment of settlers involved in illegal activities as "hooligans and Jewish terrorists," distinguishing them from the majority of law-abiding residents in Judea and Samaria. He emphasized that participants in such disturbances must be punished and imprisoned, noting that most Israelis support an immediate end to violence.

The article in the Dutch publication, titled "17 Sharp Questions for the Israeli Ambassador," prompted the swift reaction from the foreign ministry in Jerusalem. Ambassador Vapni is expected to personally report on the reasons for his statements to relevant ministry officials.