Israel expels Dutch diplomats, issues travel warning

Israel has stripped Dutch diplomats in Ramallah, West Bank, of their diplomatic status, issuing an ultimatum for them to surrender their Israeli-issued credentials within seven days. This move follows the Netherlands' ban on trade with Israeli settlements, which came into force last week. Dutch diplomats stationed in Ramallah must return their Israeli-issued diplomatic documentation or forfeit their diplomatic privileges and immunities, as stated by Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

The Netherlands' restrictions, which prohibit importing, buying, or selling goods from Israeli settlements and related brokerage services, exempt goods produced within Israel's internationally recognized borders. Saar asserted that the Netherlands could still represent its interests in the Palestinian Authority but would have to operate from that territory instead of Israeli-controlled areas.

He portrayed the action as retaliation for Dutch policies against Israel, warning that hostile unilateral actions against Israel could result in a loss of regional influence. The dispute unfolds amid wider Western pressure over Israeli settlement policy, with Britain, Canada, and France also imposing restrictions on settlement goods.

Israel captured the West Bank in 1967 and maintains military occupation over the territory, despite the UN and most countries considering the settlements illegal under international law governing military occupations.