Israel’s revocation of the diplomatic status of some employees at the Dutch mission in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, prompted a diplomatic response from the Netherlands. Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen summoned Israel’s ambassador to The Hague, Zvi Aviner Vapni, to the ministry.
The Dutch personnel whose status was revoked were ordered to leave Israel within seven days. Berendsen announced Israel’s decision at a joint news conference in The Hague with visiting German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

The Netherlands’ measures against Israel
Israel’s move came after the Netherlands announced several measures against Israel. These measures included a ban on imports of products from illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and the Golan Heights.

Berendsen described the decision as “unnecessary.” He asked Ambassador Vapni to explain the details of the decision and its consequences for the Dutch personnel.
Vapni expected to visit the ministry again
Israel’s ambassador to The Hague, Vapni, is expected to visit the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. Berendsen had previously summoned the Israeli representative to the ministry.

In May, the Netherlands summoned Israel’s ambassador to the ministry, describing the treatment of activists aboard a boat heading to Gaza as degrading.