Dutch import ban on settlement goods strains relations with Israel

The Dutch government expressed its regret at the decision. Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said that the import ban is not directed against the State of Israel, it "arises from the obligation under international law not to contribute to an illegal situation: illegal settlements."

Israel's Foreign Minister Sa'ar, however, claimed that there was an anti-Israel attitude on the part of the Netherlands behind it. Israel will not ignore “measures that aim to harm the country,” said the right-wing politician. The Netherlands' import ban on goods from the settlements came into force last week.

Similar dispute with Great Britain

It is unclear how many diplomats are involved and whether they also have to leave the country. Earlier this month, Israel ordered the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem, which serves as Britain's representative to the Palestinian Authority. The government in London had previously imposed similar sanctions. In August, Israel also excluded Dutch diplomats from a US-run coordination center for the Gaza Strip.

The Dutch import ban is likely to be more of a protest than actually having an economic impact. The main products from West Bank settlements are agricultural, including dates, citrus fruits, herbs and wine. However, they only make up a fraction of Israel's exports.

Relations between Israel and the Netherlands were very close for decades. However, they have been suffering increasingly since the beginning of the Gaza war, and there have been repeated calls in the Netherlands for sanctions against Israel. The government's criticism of Israel's violent actions is also increasing.