Saar announced the measure on Sunday, September 27, saying the Dutch officials have seven days to return their Israeli-issued diplomatic documents. After the deadline, the diplomatic privileges and immunities granted to them by Israel will expire.
The move follows the Netherlands’ implementation of a temporary sanctions measure that took effect on September 22, banning the import, purchase and sale of goods originating from Israeli settlements in territories occupied by Israel. Dutch Customs said the measure also prohibits related trading and brokerage services.
The Dutch government has maintained that the measure is directed at products from settlements rather than trade with Israel within its internationally recognised borders.
Saar described the Dutch policy as a hostile and unilateral action against Israel and said the Netherlands could continue representing its interests with Palestinians from Palestinian Authority territory rather than from territory under Israeli jurisdiction.
The Israeli decision has prompted a diplomatic response from the Netherlands. Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said he “deeply regret[ted]” the Israeli move and argued that the Dutch import restrictions were based on the country’s obligations under international law.
The Netherlands is among a group of Western countries that have adopted measures targeting trade connected to Israeli settlements, as international pressure over settlement activity and the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues.
The latest dispute adds another strain to relations between Israel and the Netherlands, with both sides now taking measures affecting diplomatic and commercial ties.
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