Israel strips Dutch diplomats of status over settlement trade ban

Israel has stripped Dutch diplomats in Ramallah, West Bank, of their diplomatic status, issuing a seven-day ultimatum for them to return their Israeli-issued credentials. This action came after the Netherlands enacted a ban on trade with Israeli settlements, which entered into force last week. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar informed the Dutch embassy in Israel of the decision on Sunday evening.

The Dutch restrictions, effective last Tuesday, prohibit importing, buying or selling goods from Israeli settlements, and also ban related brokerage and intermediary services. Despite this, the Dutch government clarified that trade within Israel's internationally recognized borders remains unaffected. Saar stated that the Netherlands could still represent its interests through the Palestinian Authority, but not from Israeli territory.

He portrayed this move as a retaliation against Dutch policies towards Israel, warning that countries acting unilaterally against Israel will lose regional influence. The Netherlands' move follows similar actions by the UK, Canada, and France, all aiming to pressure Israel over its settlement policy. Israel captured the West Bank in 1967 and has been under military occupation since then.

The UN and most countries view the settlements as illegal under international law governing military occupations, though Israel disputes this interpretation. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for "going to war" in the West Bank, suggesting military operations akin to those in Gaza.