Israel expels Dutch representatives from Gaza coordination center

Israel has expelled Dutch representatives from a U.S.-backed Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat, citing a series of "anti-Israel" moves by the Dutch government. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced the decision, which was approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that the Netherlands will lose its place at the center.

The expulsion comes in response to the Netherlands' decision to ban imports from illegal Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, a measure scheduled to take effect on September 22. Sa'ar stated that Israel would not allow measures against it to go unanswered and that "whoever acts against Israel will have no foothold in the region."

The Dutch government has argued that the settlements are illegal under international law and that the ban is intended to ensure the Netherlands does not contribute to what it defines as an unlawful situation. The restrictions extend beyond imports to include the purchase, sale, and commercial brokering of settlement products.

This is not the first time Israel has taken such action; Spain was previously expelled from the CMCC in April due to what Israel called the "anti-Israel obsession" of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government. Israel had also considered removing French representatives but ultimately decided against it.

The tensions also extend to cultural events, with the Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS boycotting the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in protest over Israel's participation, citing the situation in Gaza.