Netherlands to ban imports from illegal Israeli settlements from September 22

As of September 22, the Netherlands will no longer allow goods from illegal settlements in Israeli-occupied territories, Minister Tom Berendsen (Foreign Affairs, CDA) told parliament. The trade ban was already planned, but the implementation date is new.

A majority in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of the Dutch parliament, had already called on the government to ban the import or transit of goods from illegal Israeli settlements last year. A European ban has proven unfeasible due to insufficient support among the EU member states.

Israel’s construction of settlements in the West Bank and the Golan Heights is contrary to international law. The United Nations has also determined that Israeli settlers are systematically and on a large scale guilty of violence and intimidation against the Palestinian population.

The ban affects not only the import of goods from illegal Israeli settlements, but also (intermediate) trade. Dutch companies abroad must also comply with it. Activities aimed at circumventing the ban are prohibited.

Belgium, Spain, and Ireland have already imposed similar sanctions against Israel at a national level.

The Council of State did not object to the trade ban, but it did express doubts regarding its enforceability. The Cabinet had already considered this when it announced the measure two months ago.