Dutch FM Berendsen Summons Israeli Ambassador Ahead of Needless Diplomat Expulsions
Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen summoned Israel's ambassador following Israel's decision to revoke diplomatic status for Dutch personnel in Ramallah.
Jerusalem, 28 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen summoned Israel’s ambassador for a meeting after Israel revoked the diplomatic status of Dutch personnel at the Netherlands’ representative office in Ramallah.
The Israeli ambassador is expected to meet with Dutch officials Tuesday or Wednesday.
Berendsen called the Israeli move “needless.” The Dutch diplomats have seven days to leave the Palestinian territories. Berendsen said he did not yet know how many officials would be affected.
The move followed Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s decision to revoke the diplomatic status of Dutch personnel in Ramallah and require them to return their diplomatic documents within seven days.
The dispute follows new Dutch restrictions banning imports and trade involving products from Judea and Samaria, eastern Jerusalem and the Golan Heights.
Berendsen said the measures were temporary and not directed against Israel, but reflected the Netherlands’ international-law obligations.