Dutch gov't relieved by ceasefire in Lebanon; "Unlikely" NL will export arms to Israel

Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Foreign Affairs Minister Caspar Veldkamp are relieved by the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Separately, Minister Reinette Klever for Foreign Trade called it “unlikely” that the Dutch Cabinet will agree to arms exports to Israel if those weapons can “contribute to activities in Gaza and the West Bank.”

The ceasefire started at 3:00 a.m. Dutch time, 4:00 a.m. local time. According to United States President Joe Biden, it will be a permanent cessation of hostilities.

On X, Schoof called it “important that all parties commit to this now so that the situation de-escalates and citizens on both sides of the border can return home safely.”

A ceasefire is also needed in Gaza, the Dutch Prime Minister stressed. “For the release of hostages, more access to humanitarian aid, and de-escalation of the violence in the region.”

Veldkamp called the ceasefire a “crucial step towards ending hostilities and regional de-escalation.” Like Schoof, he said it was important that all parties adhere to the agreement to “achieve sustainable security, stability, and peace.”

Veldkamp thanked the United States and France, who pushed hard to establish this ceasefire. The two countries said they would ensure the agreement is “fully implemented.”

Biden also announced a new attempt to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages still held by Hamas. This is being done in cooperation with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and other countries. According to Biden, the goal is “an end to the war, without Hamas in power.”

Arms exports to Israel

In a parliamentary debate on the Netherlands’ arms export policy, Klever said the chance that the Cabinet will currently agree to arms exports to Israel is “unlikely” if those weapons can “contribute to activities in Gaza and the West Bank.”

Since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and Israel’s subsequent incessant bombing of Gaza, the Netherlands rejected six weapons permits to Israel. Klever said these concerned night vision goggles, helmets, protective vests, and ammunition. Two permits were approved. These concerned shock absorbers and equipment for the Iron Dome air defense system.

According to Klever, the fact that arms exports to Israel have still increased can be explained “largely” by the fact that it involved permits for items that would return to the Netherlands or would be exported to another country. The Netherlands did recently purchase more weapons in Israel, such as PULS rocket artillery.

Daniëlle Hirsch of GroenLinks-PvdA wanted to know whether the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have consequences for arms exports. Klever called the ICC's decision an "important development" that will "be considered" in applications for arms export licenses.

In February, the court in The Hague ruled that the Netherlands must stop exporting parts for F-35 fighter jets to Israel. The government is adhering to this but has appealed the case.