Netherlands and Belgium Ban Imports of Israeli Settlement Products

The Dutch government announced that, from 22 September, it will prohibit the import, purchase, sale and intermediary trade of goods originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The measure was approved by the cabinet and presented by Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen, who said the ban is intended to ensure the Netherlands does not economically support an activity it considers unlawful under international law. Belgium has already implemented a similar prohibition, joining Spain and Ireland in restricting settlement products, while an EU‑wide ban remains stalled.

Egypt’s foreign ministry praised the decisions, calling them a practical application of UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which deems the settlements illegal. The head of the Arab Parliament, Mohamed Al‑Yamahi, welcomed the Dutch step as a victory for international law and urged all countries, especially EU members, to follow suit and impose sanctions on settlement‑related entities.

The bans target a range of goods, including agricultural products that previously accounted for a significant share of EU imports from the settlements. The Dutch Council of State raised no legal objections, though it questioned enforcement effectiveness. Israel has rejected the characterization of the settlements as illegal, maintaining that final status must be decided through negotiations.