Netherlands regrets Israel’s decision to revoke diplomats’ accreditation

The Netherlands expressed regret on Monday over Israel's decision to withdraw diplomatic accreditation for Dutch officials stationed in the West Bank, following the nation's imposition of sanctions on goods originating from Israeli settlements. Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen stated that the suspension of imports from the West Bank was not directed at Israel, but was a necessary response to international law's prohibition on supporting unlawful situations, specifically the illegal settlements.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar had given Dutch diplomats in the West Bank seven days to surrender their Israeli-issued diplomatic credentials, after which their privileges and immunities would cease. The Dutch government had announced in July that they would prohibit the importation of products from Israeli settlements, effective September 22, citing their illegality under international law.

The UK, France, and Canada had also announced sanctions on trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, adopting a more stringent stance towards Israel, which retaliated by closing the British consulate in Jerusalem.