Netherlands Deeply Regrets Israeli Decision to Cancel Its Diplomats' Accreditation in the West Bank

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Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berndsen confirmed today, Monday, that Amsterdam "deeply" regrets the Israeli "unnecessary" decision to revoke the accreditation of its diplomats working in the West Bank, and that the Netherlands is considering a response.

He added in a statement, "Our temporary sanctions do not target Israel, but stem from our commitment not to contribute to the illegal situation of the illegal settlements."

A spokesperson for Berndsen quoted him as saying, "I deeply regret this unnecessary decision," adding that the decision made by The Hague to suspend the import of goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank "does not target Israel."

Yesterday, Sunday, Israel announced that it had revoked the diplomatic status of Dutch diplomats representing their country to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, in response to Dutch sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Israel ordered the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem earlier this month, which represents Britain to the Palestinian Authority, after London announced similar sanctions banning the import of goods from settlements.

The Dutch ban on importing goods produced in the settlements came into effect last week.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated on the platform "X" that Dutch diplomats working in Ramallah are required to return their diplomatic documents issued by Israel within seven days, which is the deadline for the expiration of their diplomatic privileges and immunities.

He added, "Any country that acts in a hostile and unilateral manner towards Israel will lose its influence and importance in the region."

In August, Israel expelled Dutch diplomats from a special coordination center for the Gaza Strip led by the United States and located in Israel, due to what the foreign minister described as "hostile actions against Israel."

Many countries, including the Netherlands, have diplomats representing them to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah and residing in East Jerusalem.

Israel usually relies on these diplomats and grants them specific privileges under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

France and Canada joined Britain this month in announcing a ban on goods coming from settlements, but Israel has not taken any action against them.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is facing increasing diplomatic isolation from many of its allies due to its policies in Gaza and the West Bank over the past few years.

Several countries have imposed sanctions on two senior ministers in the Israeli government, while Spain, Ireland, and other countries have also announced a ban on the import of goods coming from settlements.