The Israeli government announced on Sunday that it has revoked the status of Dutch diplomats representing the Netherlands in the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, the administrative capital of the Palestinian territories.
Response from the Israeli Foreign Minister
Gideon Sa'ar, the Israeli Foreign Minister, stated that this action is a response to the Netherlands' sanctions related to illegal settlements in the West Bank. Sa'ar wrote on social media: "Israel will never ignore actions aimed at harming this country."
He also instructed the Dutch diplomats stationed in Ramallah to return their Israeli diplomatic credentials within seven days. Sa'ar added: "After this period, the privileges and diplomatic immunity granted to them by the Israeli government will expire."
Netherlands' Sanctions and Similar Actions
Dutch officials announced earlier this month that they would begin enforcing a ban on the import of goods related to settlements. This ban includes personal shipments as well as commercial cargo and went into effect on September 22. In recent days, Dutch and Israeli media reported on inspections of luggage from travelers arriving at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport from Israel for prohibited goods.
In September, Israel also ordered the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem, which represents the UK in the Palestinian Authority. This action followed London's announcement of similar sanctions against the import of goods from illegal settlements.
Sa'ar also stated: "Any country that acts hostilely and unilaterally against Israel will lose its influence and importance in the region." France and Canada have also announced bans regarding goods related to settlements, but Israel has not yet taken action against these two countries.
In August, Israel also barred Dutch diplomats from the coordination center based in the U.S. for Gaza, which the country's foreign minister described as "anti-Israeli actions."
