On 25 August, the Foreign Minister of Israel, Gideon Sa’ar, announced that Dutch representatives will be expelled immediately from the US-backed International Support Centre for Gaza in the southern Israeli city of Kiryat Gat. More than 20 countries have representatives in this centre that coordinates humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Israeli FM accused the Netherlands of a series of anti-Israel measures taken by the Dutch government and emphasised that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved his decision.
The FM said that a law in the Netherlands prohibiting trade in Israeli products from Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights, where Israel establishes illegal settlements, and which will take effect next month, was the reason that triggered his decision to exclude the Dutch representatives from the centre.
In addition, the FM said that Israeli authorities had instructed the Dutch representatives to leave Israel within one week.
“Our message is clear: Those who act against Israel will have no foothold in the region. Israel will not allow measures to be taken against it without a response,” Minister Sa’ar posted on X.
As general elections approach, the government coalition in Israel tightens its stance on the national and international levels.
The Dutch government has strongly criticised Israel’s decision. Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said that domestic election politics in Israel may influence this decision.
