Israel Gives Dutch Diplomats Seven Days to Return Documents

Israel said Dutch diplomats working in Ramallah have seven days to return Israeli-issued diplomatic documents, after which their privileges and immunities granted by Israel will expire, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced Sunday. The measure follows the Netherlands’ restrictions on goods originating in Israeli settlements, which took effect September 22. The sources do not establish whether the documents were returned or the stated consequence was later applied. Saar said Israel had notified the Dutch Embassy of the deadline. His announcement described the step as a response to the Dutch government’s trade restrictions. The diplomats are based at the Netherlands Representative Office in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank. Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said Monday that he regretted Israel’s decision. He said the Dutch measure was not directed against Israel, but reflected the Netherlands’ stated obligation under international law. The restrictions apply to goods originating in Israeli settlements, rather than goods from Israel within its internationally recognized borders, according to the reporting.