Netherlands Imposes Travel Ban on Israeli Ministers, Tightens Export Controls Over Gaza Crisis

The Dutch government has taken a firm stance against the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza by introducing travel bans on two Israeli ministers and tightening arms export controls. Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced the measures in a parliamentary briefing, stating that Israel has failed to meet its humanitarian obligations under international law.
Prime Minister Dick Schoof had earlier warned that the Netherlands would take unilateral steps if Israel did not facilitate humanitarian access to Gaza. As part of the response, the Israeli ambassador has been formally summoned to discuss the “intolerable and indefensible” situation. The Netherlands reiterated its call for Israel to comply with international humanitarian standards.
The travel bans apply to Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who have been declared persona non grata. The Dutch government cited their repeated incitement of violence, promotion of ethnic cleansing, and advocacy for the expansion of illegal settlements as justification for the ban.
In addition, the Netherlands is imposing stricter conditions on arms exports to Israel. Existing export licences have been reassessed, and future approvals will be highly restricted under current circumstances. Veldkamp emphasized that granting new export permits will be “virtually out of the question.”
To support humanitarian relief efforts, the Dutch government is allocating €1.5 million to the UN’s logistics agency and an additional €3 million to the Red Cross, with a focus on overland delivery routes into Gaza. These decisions followed emergency discussions among top cabinet members, including the prime minister, foreign and defense ministers, and deputy prime ministers.
Schoof also announced that the Netherlands will advocate for broader EU sanctions, including the potential suspension of Israel’s participation in the EU’s Horizon research programme. He emphasized that if Israel is found non-compliant with EU agreements, trade and research cooperation may be reviewed and restricted.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the Dutch measures, calling them a “huge mistake.” He disputed Schoof’s public statements, claiming they misrepresented the content of their recent phone call and failed to acknowledge hostages still held in Gaza.