Israel: Israel on Tuesday expelled Dutch representatives from a Gaza coordination center following the Netherlands' decision to ban imports from illegal Israeli settlements in occupied territories, the Israeli foreign minister said.
According to Anadolu Agency, the decision to expel representatives was announced by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who stated that the move came at the behest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Saar cited the Netherlands' enactment of a law prohibiting trade in Israeli products from Judea and Samaria (West Bank), East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights as the primary reason for the expulsion. This law, set to take effect next month, was described by Saar as part of 'a series of anti-Israel measures taken by the Dutch government.'
The affected representatives were part of the International Support Center for Gaza in Kiryat Gat, a US-led command center officially known as the Civil-Military Coordination Center. This center was established by US Central Command to oversee the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and to monitor the US peace plan.
Saar stated that both the Dutch Embassy in Israel and 'our American friends' were informed of the decision on Tuesday evening. He also mentioned that the Dutch representatives have been instructed to leave Israel within one week. Saar accused the Dutch government of accompanying its anti-Israel policy with an unprecedented wave of antisemitism and boycotts in the Netherlands.
The Dutch government had decided in late July 2026 to ban the import, purchase, and sale of products originating from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, with the measure set to take effect on September 22, 2026. Despite Israel's strong response, Dutch authorities have not immediately commented on the expulsion decision.
The situation further escalates as Israel continues to enforce measures against entities it perceives as acting against its interests. The expulsion underscores the tense relations between Israel and the Netherlands following the Dutch legislative decision. In addition to the diplomatic tensions, the Board of Peace had issued a document on July 31, 2026, outlining a roadmap for the implementation of President Trump's Comprehensive Peace Plan in Gaza, which includes a phased Israeli withdrawal and disarmament of Hamas.
The Civil-Military Coordination Center in Kiryat Gat was established with the participation of 40 countries and organizations to monitor the Gaza ceasefire, facilitate aid deliveries, and plan for the postwar phase. Meanwhile, according to Palestinian figures, Israel has waged a campaign in Gaza since October 8, 2023, resulting in significant casualties and injuries.