The Israeli Executive has communicated that, within a maximum period of seven days, it will invalidate the diplomatic credentials of the representatives of the Netherlands stationed in Ramallah, which will result in the loss of their immunity. The decision is made as a direct response to the embargo imposed by Amsterdam on products from the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as from the occupied Golan Heights.
According to the Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, "If the Netherlands wants to continue representing its interests to the Palestinians, it can do so through the territory of the Palestinian Authority instead of from the territory of the State of Israel."
In his statement, the head of Israeli diplomacy refers to "the entry into force last week of an order that prohibits the import and sale of products from Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem (West Bank), and the Golan Heights."
Israeli authorities have specified that Dutch diplomats "must return their diplomatic documentation issued by Israel within a period of seven days" and that, after that period, "the diplomatic privileges and immunity provided by the State of Israel will expire."
The minister has also emphasized that "Israel does not ignore the measures that aim to harm it" and has warned that "Any country that acts against Israel in a hostile and unilateral manner will lose influence and relevance in the region."
In this context, Saar has taken the opportunity to denounce the "growing antisemitism" in the Netherlands and has attacked the "anti-Israeli policies" of the Dutch Government, which he blames for fueling this climate.