Israeli Foreign Minister Reprimands Netherlands Over Gaza Criticism

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar formally reprimanded the Dutch ambassador to Israel, Marriët Schuurman, on Tuesday, following the Netherlands' decision to ban two far-right Israeli cabinet ministers and criticize Israel’s actions in Gaza. The move marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations, historically close allies.

The Dutch government, currently in a temporary state after its coalition fell apart in June, barred Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country.

Dutch officials accused the pair of fueling violence against Palestinians and pushing extreme policies in Gaza. In a heartfelt letter to lawmakers, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp called the Gaza situation “devastating and unjustifiable,” urging an immediate stop to the conflict. The Netherlands also plans to call in Israel’s ambassador to protest the worsening humanitarian crisis and push for pausing parts of the EU-Israel trade agreement.

• Israel Rebukes Netherlands Over Gaza Criticism and Entry Ban on Cabinet Ministers
• Dutch Ban on Ben-Gvir and Smotrich Sparks Diplomatic Clash with Israel
• Tensions Rise as Israel Slams Netherlands for Gaza Stance and Minister Sanctions

Saar hit back hard on X, saying the Netherlands was turning "a long-standing friendship with Israel into open hostility, probably out of political interests." He met Schuurman in Jerusalem to make Israel’s anger clear. Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, big players in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, have been vocal about expanding settlements and keeping the Gaza war going. Smotrich shrugged off European criticism, saying it gives in to “radical Islam,” while Ben-Gvir stood firm, promising to stick to his tough policies.

This clash follows similar moves by countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, who also sanctioned the two ministers, showing growing global worry about Gaza’s humanitarian disaster. The United Nations reports dire famine conditions there, with over 20,000 kids treated for malnutrition since April.

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The falling-out highlights cracks in Israel’s ties with Europe, as the EU prepares to discuss its trade deal with Israel. The Netherlands’ bold stance raises big questions about where its relationship with Israel is headed as the Gaza crisis deepens.