Diplomatic Row Over Settlements
Israel revokes diplomatic credentials for Dutch officials over settlement trade restrictions.
Anonymous
Israel revoked the diplomatic credentials of Dutch officials working from the Netherlands’ representative office in Ramallah, giving them seven days to return Israeli-issued documents, after which their Israeli-granted privileges and immunities will expire. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar linked the move to Dutch restrictions on goods from Israeli settlements in occupied territory; those restrictions do not affect trade within Israel’s internationally recognized borders, and Israel said the Netherlands could represent its interests from Palestinian Authority territory. The Netherlands says the settlements are unlawful and the restrictions fulfill its international legal obligations. Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said he deeply regretted Israel’s decision and that the measures were not directed against Israel.
Key Points
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The Dutch restrictions also prohibit buying or selling settlement-origin goods and providing related brokerage or intermediary services.
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Israel had removed Dutch representatives from an international Gaza support centre in Kiryat Gat the previous month, citing Dutch government actions against Israel.
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Sa’ar described the Dutch measures as hostile and unilateral, warning that countries taking such action against Israel would lose influence and relevance in the region.
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