Key facts
- The Netherlands will ban imports of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements starting September 22.
- The ban applies to import, purchase, and sale of settlement goods.
- This measure aligns with international legal obligations not to contribute to the unlawful occupation of Palestinian territories.
- The Netherlands is the largest EU importer of Israeli settlement produce, according to a report.
- Similar bans are already in place in Ireland, Belgium, and Spain.
The Dutch government has announced that it will implement a ban on products originating from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, effective September 22. This decision aligns the Netherlands with Ireland, Belgium, and Spain, which have already enacted similar measures.
The foreign ministry stated that the ban reinforces the Netherlands' commitment to its international legal obligations, specifically not to contribute to the continuation of Israel's unlawful occupation, as advised by the International Court of Justice. The measure will encompass the import, purchase, and sale of goods produced in these settlements.
While the Council of State did not object to the ban, it raised concerns regarding its enforceability, a point acknowledged by the cabinet. A report by the legal organization Global Echo identified the Netherlands as the leading destination for Israeli settlement produce entering the EU market, accounting for a significant portion of agricultural exports to the bloc.
The construction of settlements in the occupied West Bank and Golan Heights is widely considered a violation of international law. Prime Minister Rob Jetten previously stated the aim is to prevent Dutch economic activities from supporting an unlawful occupation and the maintenance of illegal settlements.