Israel revokes diplomatic status of Dutch Diplomats

Israel confirmed it was revoking the diplomatic status of Dutch diplomats who represent the Netherlands at the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority, in response to Dutch sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.



Israel earlier this month ordered the closure of the British Consulate in East Jerusalem, which is Britain's representative with the Palestinian Authority, after London announced similar sanctions banning the import of goods from settlements.



Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on X that Dutch diplomats operating in Ramallah must return their Israeli-issued diplomatic documentation within seven days, when their diplomatic privileges and immunities are due to expire.



"Any country that acts in a hostile and unilateral manner against Israel will lose influence and relevance in the region," Saar said.



The Dutch Foreign Ministry declined to comment.



The Netherlands' ban on imports of goods produced in settlements came into effect last week.



Israel in August banned Dutch diplomats from a US-led coordination centre for Gaza that is based in Israel, over what the foreign minister described as "anti-Israel measures."