The Israeli Foreign Ministry has revoked the status of Dutch diplomats in Ramallah after the Netherlands introduced an import ban on products from Israeli settlements last week.
Dutch representatives booted: Israel expels Dutch Netherlands from Gaza coordination center
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar informed the Dutch Embassy in Israel that Dutch diplomats operating in Ramallah must return the diplomatic credentials issued to them by Israel within seven days.
After that time, the diplomats will lose all immunities and privileges granted to them in their capacity as diplomats.
“If the Netherlands wishes to continue representing its interests vis-à-vis the Palestinians, it may do so from within the territory of the Palestinian Authority, rather than from the territory of the State of Israel,” the Foreign Ministry said.
Dutch Politician Geert Wilders supported the move saying “Well done Gideon Sa’ar.”
This comes after Israel removed the Dutch mission from the international support center for Gaza operating out of Kiryat Gat.
Diplomats accredited to the Palestinian Authority typically operate out of Israel rather than being based in Ramallah and therefore require special permission from Israel to do so.