Israel Expels Dutch Representatives from Civil-Military Coordination Center Over Anti-Israel Measures

Israel has expelled Dutch representatives from the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat following a series of anti-Israel actions by the Dutch government. The decision, announced on Tuesday by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approval, requires the Dutch diplomats to leave Israel within a week. The CMCC was established as part of former U.S. President Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza. The expulsion notice was also sent to the U.S. Embassy.

The move responds to the Netherlands' recent legislation banning trade with products originating from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights, effective September 22. This law prohibits importing, purchasing, selling, or brokering such goods within the Netherlands, reflecting the Dutch government's view that the settlements are illegal under international law. The Dutch claim the ban fulfills their obligation not to support what they consider an illegal situation.

Minister Sa'ar condemned the Dutch policy as "anti-Israel" and linked it to a wave of unprecedented antisemitism and boycotts in the country. He stated, "Our message is clear: those who act against Israel will have no foothold in the region. Israel will not allow steps against it without response."

The Dutch Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders sharply criticized his government’s decision, calling it a betrayal to Israel and accusing it of succumbing to Israel's enemies and Islamists. Additionally, the Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS announced it will boycott the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in Bulgaria for the second time, protesting Israel's participation amid ongoing conflict in Gaza and citing a lack of clear rules for disqualifying countries involved in military conflicts.

The Netherlands is the second country expelled from the CMCC, after Spain was removed in April for its government's anti-Israel stance and actions perceived as harmful to Israeli and U.S. interests, including during the Iran conflict. Israel considered expelling French representatives but refrained, likely due to concerns over a strong French reaction.