Netherlands to introduce ban on goods, services from 'unlawful' Israeli settlements in West Bank

Jerusalem Post/World NewsThe ban, which will take effect on September 22, 2026, is more symbolic in value than practical, as it will be challenging to enforce.Follow us on GooglePolice officers stand next to pro-Palestinian protesters outside the University of Amsterdam during a protest, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, May 8, 2024(photo credit: REUTERS/PIROSCHKA VAN DE WOUW)ByMATHILDA HELLERJULY 21, 2026 16:46Updated: JULY 21, 2026 17:42The Netherlands will begin its ban on the import, purchase and sale of goods from Israeli settlements in the Palestinian Territories on September 22, 2026, the Dutch government announced Tuesday.The government already decided on the sanctions on 22 May 2026, and the Council of State has now issued its advice, which has not led to any changes to the decision.The ban was made official today, and will enter into force on 22 September.The Dutch government considers the settlements unlawful.With the proposed measures, the Netherlands says it is giving further substance to its obligation under international law not to contribute to this "unlawful" situation.Jews who support the re-establishment of Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip march near the Israeli border with Gaza, in southern Israel, July 19, 2026 (credit: JAMAL AWAD/FLASH90)Practical impacts of the ban on importsFrom 22 September, it will be forbidden to: import goods from Israeli settlements; buy and sell goods from Israeli settlements; provide services that facilitate trade in goods from the Israeli settlements (so-called brokering services); and circumvent the above prohibitions."I am deeply ashamed of the betrayal by the Dutch left-liberal government of Islam lovers and Israel haters," said Dutch politician Geert Wilders.The ban is more symbolic in value than practical, as it will be challenging to enforce.Follow us on Google