Israel has revoked the diplomatic credentials of Dutch officials in the occupied West Bank, intensifying diplomatic tensions with the Netherlands following its recent restrictions on goods from Israeli settlements. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced that Dutch diplomats in Ramallah were notified they have seven days to return their Israeli-issued diplomatic documents.
The decision comes in response to the Netherlands’ implementation of restrictions on September 22, targeting goods originating from Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Israel, which has consistently opposed measures that focus on its settlements, has been critical of countries imposing such restrictions or taking similar actions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Sa’ar stated that Dutch officials could continue their activities in the West Bank if they obtain authorization from the Palestinian Authority. This development adds to the growing diplomatic friction between Israel and several European nations concerning settlement policies and the broader situation in the Palestinian territories.