Netherlands to Ban Citizens from Buying Samarian Goods

The Dutch government has proposed banning the import, purchase and sale of goods produced in Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria, according to a government statement issued Friday.

The Cabinet-backed measure would prohibit Dutch citizens and legal entities, both inside and outside the Netherlands, from importing goods produced in Israeli settlements, buying or selling them, or providing intermediary services linked to those goods.

The temporary sanctions decree has been submitted to the Dutch Council of State for an expedited decision.

The Dutch Cabinet said the move is intended to prevent Dutch economic activity from contributing to what it described as a situation contrary to international law. It accused Israel of maintaining an unlawful presence in the territory and inthe Golan Heights, and said settlement expansion and violence by Israeli settlers were worsening conditions and making a two-state solution more difficult.

“The Netherlands has an international obligation not to contribute to the maintenance of the unlawful occupation,” the Cabinet said.

The proposed ban comes as several European governments have increased pressure on Israel over policies in Judea and Samaria and the Gaza war. The Netherlands has faced growing domestic pressure from pro-Palestinian groups demanding stronger measures against Israel.

If approved, the decree would mark one of the more direct European economic moves against Israeli communities beyond the Green Line, targeting not only imports but also Dutch companies and individuals involved in trade connected to those goods.