Dutch Opposition Leader Geert Wilders Visits West Bank Settlement Amid Trade Ban Dispute

Geert Wilders, the Dutch opposition leader and candidate for prime minister, visited the West Bank settlement of Sha'noar this week as a guest of Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council. The visit comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and the Netherlands following the Dutch government's ban on importing products from Judea and Samaria. Wilders opened his visit by touring the northern Shomron settlement, where he was briefed on a plan to establish 19 new communities in the area.

Wilders praised Dagan's efforts, saying, "You are returning to settle all of Shomron again - this is the only way. This land is yours, your history, and your religion." Dagan responded by emphasizing the security importance of the settlements, stating, "We are building our homeland, the biblical land, which serves as Israel's security belt. After October 7, it is clearer than ever that our settlements in northern Shomron are vital for Israel's security." Wilders agreed, adding that the settlements also impact the security of Europe and the Netherlands.

This is Wilders' second visit to Israel in less than two years, both times hosted by Dagan. His previous visit sparked controversy in the Netherlands and parliamentary debate due to his decision to visit Judea and Samaria. The current visit is expected to generate further reactions, especially in light of the recent Dutch import ban. Wilders is scheduled to continue touring the Shomron and Jordan Valley regions and meet with senior Israeli government officials in the coming days.