Netherlands summons Israeli ambassador over stripping diplomats of status

Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen summoned Israeli Ambassador Zvi Aviner Vapni after the Israeli authorities decided to strip the diplomatic status of the Dutch mission in Ramallah.

The diplomats were given seven days to return their diplomatic documents issued by Israel. After this period, the diplomatic privileges and immunities granted by Israel will cease to apply.

The Netherlands called the decision “unnecessary”

Berendsen said he wanted to receive an explanation from the Israeli ambassador about the details of the decision and its consequences for Dutch diplomats.

The Dutch Foreign Minister called Israel’s move unnecessary and said it could have serious consequences for relations between the countries.

According to the minister, the situation requires direct discussion with the Israeli side.

Why Israel made such a decision

Israel linked its actions to the decision of the Netherlands to ban the import, purchase and sale of goods originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, as well as a number of other restrictive measures.

The Dutch ban came into effect on September 22.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that the country would respond to measures that the Israeli authorities consider directed against it.

At the same time, Berendsen stressed that the Dutch ban was not directed against Israel itself.

Thus, the diplomatic conflict between the Netherlands and Israel has escalated amid disagreements over policy regarding Israeli settlements in the West Bank.