Netherlands warns of "very dangerous downward spiral" in relations with Israel

Relations between the Netherlands and Israel are entering a “very dangerous downward spiral,” a Dutch government spokesperson said after Israel decided to withdraw Dutch representatives from the Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat.

The spokesperson described Israel’s decision as “very regrettable,” Ynet reported.

The Netherlands has become the second country, after Spain, whose representatives have been suspended from their duties at the coordination centre.

Earlier, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said on X that Israel was deporting two Dutch representatives from the country in response to what he described as “anti-Israel measures” adopted by the Dutch government.

The two representatives work at the Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) in Israel, where the United States, Israel and 15 other countries, including the Netherlands, monitor the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The centre also coordinates international humanitarian assistance to Gaza and is involved in efforts to rebuild the Palestinian territory devastated by the conflict.

“I made this decision today, with the approval of Prime Minister Netanyahu, following a series of anti-Israel measures taken by the Dutch government. The latest being the enactment of a law prohibiting trade in Israeli products from Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights,” Sa’ar wrote on X.

Sa’ar was referring to a Dutch ban on trade in goods originating from Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories. The settlements are considered illegal under international law. The Dutch parliament backed the ban in part because of what it described as the frequent and increasing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians. The ban is due to take effect next month.

“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,” Sa’ar said.

Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen told Dutch media that he regretted Israel’s decision.

“As far as I am concerned, it is an unnecessary action. I immediately informed my Israeli colleague, Minister Sa’ar, of this as well. I also view this step in the context of the elections in Israel.”

Berendsen said the expulsion of the Dutch CMCC representatives would not alter the Cabinet’s decision to impose the ban on products from Israeli settlements. He added that he remained willing to discuss the issue with Sa’ar.

“And naturally, I remain happy to discuss this with my Israeli colleague.”

By Tamilla Hasanova