The Dutch government intends to ban imports from Israeli settlements as soon as possible
The Dutch interim government, Schoof I, announced plans to implement a national ban on imports of goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories 'as soon as possible,' according to interim Foreign Minister David van Wil during a parliamentary discussion on Wednesday. These statements caused great surprise, as the boycott of Israeli products was one of the reasons that led to the collapse of the government less than three weeks ago.
The majority of parliament, including the VVD party, supported a request from the D66 party calling on the government to implement the ban quickly. Van Wil explained that he intends to issue a council order to apply the ban, as this method is faster than enacting new legislation.
This issue had previously caused a governmental split when the NSC party withdrew from the already collapsing interim government due to disagreements over taking additional actions against Israel, including a boycott of Israeli products. The VVD party insisted on conducting a European assessment first to determine whether such a trade ban could be applied. However, VVD Deputy Eric van der Burg stated that the party changed its position after it became clear that EU member states were still divided on the Union's policy towards Israel, while Van Wil emphasized that a European solution would be preferred if possible because it 'sends a stronger signal.'
The renewed commitment of Van Wil has surprised the parliamentarians. Within just three weeks, this issue had become so divisive that it contributed to the collapse of the coalition. D66 MP Jan Paternotte said: 'What the government collapsed for 19 days ago will happen anyway now.'
During the discussion, the parties also called on the government to provide care for sick and injured Palestinian children. Van Wil explained that the government is looking to provide assistance to countries in the region that treat Gaza residents, noting that the achievement would be greater with fewer local resources. He expressed his opposition to evacuating children to the Netherlands, while opposition MPs emphasized the recommendations of the World Health Organization and other relief organizations, considering it 'the least that the Netherlands could do,' according to SP MP Sarah Dubey.