Israel revokes the diplomatic status of Dutch diplomats posted to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah

28 September 2026

Israel said it was revoking the diplomatic status of Dutch diplomats who represent the Netherlands at the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority. The step was announced on Sunday in response to Dutch sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank; the Netherlands' ban on imports of goods produced in settlements came into effect the previous week. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the Dutch diplomats operating in Ramallah must return their Israeli-issued diplomatic documentation within seven days, when their privileges and immunities are due to expire. Israel had earlier this month ordered the closure of the British Consulate in East Jerusalem after London announced similar sanctions. Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said he regretted the decision and that the Netherlands was weighing its response, adding that the temporary sanctions stemmed from an obligation not to contribute to the situation of the settlements. Many countries keep diplomats accredited to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah while living in East Jerusalem, with privileges granted under the Vienna Convention.