Netherlands Moves to Ban Imports From Israeli Settlements

The Dutch government has announced plans to ban imports of goods produced in Israeli settlements located in the occupied Palestinian territories. The decision follows growing criticism of Israel’s West Bank expansion and ongoing military actions in Gaza.
Foreign Minister David van Weel told parliament that he has instructed his department to draft a government decree to implement the ban “as soon as possible.” The measure would align the Netherlands with much of the international community, which considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law.
The Netherlands had already imposed travel bans on two far-right Israeli cabinet ministers in July for inciting violence against Palestinians. The new step marks a significant escalation in Dutch policy, after months of internal debate. Van Weel also confirmed support for European Commission plans to suspend certain trade-related measures in the EU’s agreement with Israel.
Israel maintains that its settlements are legal under its own laws, while critics argue they undermine prospects for a two-state solution. The import ban could affect trade flows, as the Netherlands is a key buyer of Israeli goods, though the exact volume of settlement products currently imported has not been specified.