Israel Cancels Diplomatic Status of Dutch Diplomats in Ramallah

Israel said on Sunday that it has revoked the diplomatic status of Dutch diplomats representing the Netherlands to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, in response to Dutch sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Earlier this month, Israel ordered the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem, which represents Britain to the Palestinian Authority, after London announced similar sanctions banning the import of goods from the settlements.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated on X that the 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 privileges and diplomatic immunities. He added, "Any country that acts in a hostile and unilateral manner towards Israel will lose its influence and importance in the region." The Dutch Foreign Ministry declined to comment. The Dutch ban on importing goods produced in the settlements came into effect last week. In August, Israel expelled Dutch diplomats from a U.S.-led coordination center for Gaza 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 the 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 importing goods from the settlements.