Israel Warns Travelers, Punishes Dutch Diplomats Over Judea and Samaria Ban

“Any country that acts in a hostile and unilateral manner against Israel will lose influence and relevance in the region,” Sa’ar said.

By United with Israel Staff

Israel has ordered Dutch diplomats serving in Ramallah to surrender their Israeli-issued diplomatic credentials within seven days, escalating a diplomatic confrontation with the Netherlands over a new Dutch ban targeting products from Judea and Samaria, eastern Jerusalem and the Golan Heights.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced the measure Sunday evening, saying the diplomats would lose the privileges and immunities granted to them by Israel once the seven-day deadline expires.

“If the Netherlands wishes to continue representing its interests with the Palestinians, it may do so from Palestinian Authority territory, rather than from the territory of the State of Israel,” Sa’ar said.

The move came after a Dutch order banning the import, purchase and sale of goods originating in Israeli communities in the territories took effect on Sept. 22. The Netherlands considers Israeli communities there illegal under international law, a position Israel disputes.

The dispute has also begun affecting Israeli travelers.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued a warning overnight Sunday that Israelis arriving in the Netherlands could face lengthy and what it described as “offensive” baggage inspections following reports of increased customs checks on passengers arriving on flights from Israel.

“In recent days, the Foreign Ministry has received reports of customs inspections of the baggage of passengers who arrived in the Netherlands on flights from Israel,” the ministry said, adding that it was investigating the scope of the inspections and how the new Dutch order was being enforced.

Israeli passengers arriving at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport reported being directed to additional baggage screenings, with some saying customs officers appeared to be looking for products including wine, dates and olives originating in Judea and Samaria, eastern Jerusalem or the Golan Heights. Dutch authorities had not confirmed that the searches were specifically part of enforcement of the new law.

According to Dutch rules cited by Israeli media, violations of the prohibition can constitute a criminal offense and carry substantial penalties, potentially including imprisonment.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said Jerusalem viewed the developments “with severity” and had already begun taking retaliatory measures.

Sa’ar made clear that the diplomatic action was intended as a direct response to the Dutch government’s policy.

“Israel will not ignore measures intended to harm it,” he said. “Any country that acts in a hostile and unilateral manner against Israel will lose influence and relevance in the region.”

The decision is not Israel’s first retaliatory step against the Netherlands. Last month, Jerusalem removed the Dutch delegation from the International Support Center for Gaza in Kiryat Gat following measures taken by the Dutch government against Israel.