Netherlands Moves to Ban Goods From Israeli Settlements

(MENAFN) The Netherlands is moving swiftly toward imposing a national ban on products originating from illegal Israeli settlements, according to an announcement by Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel during a tense parliamentary session late Wednesday.

The caretaker Cabinet intends to implement the ban via a General Administrative Order, enabling quicker enforcement without the need for new legislation, van Weel told lawmakers.

The shift comes after the Democrats 66 (D66) introduced a motion calling for urgent action, which gained majority support in the House of Representatives — notably including the ruling People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), a public broadcaster reported.

The decision marks a significant policy turn for the VVD, which had long pushed for a unified European Union response. However, the party pivoted after EU nations failed to reach a consensus during talks in Copenhagen last month.

Van Weel acknowledged the benefits of coordinated action, stating, “If an agreement is reached at the European level, that would remain preferable, as it would send out a more powerful signal.”

He firmly rejected the idea of a total trade embargo on Israel, warning that such a move would place Dutch businesses at a competitive disadvantage within the EU. “Such a step would disproportionately harm Dutch businesses compared to other EU states,” he argued.

The settlement ban follows political turbulence within the caretaker government, including the recent withdrawal of the NSC party, which cited inadequate backing for stronger policies, such as a nationwide boycott of settlement goods.

In the same parliamentary debate, lawmakers pressed the government to accept sick and injured children from Gaza for medical treatment in the Netherlands. The suggestion was rebuffed.

Van Weel said the Netherlands is instead focusing on supporting regional nations treating Palestinian patients, stating, “We can achieve more there with fewer resources.”

The response sparked criticism from opposition lawmakers. Socialist Party MP Dobbe called the government’s stance disappointing, adding that “the least the country can do” is to evacuate children to the Netherlands for care.

Calls for urgent medical evacuations from Gaza have been echoed by international health authorities, including the World Health Organization, which continues to stress the immediate need for access to critical treatment outside the conflict zone.

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