Netherlands Bans Imports From Illegal Israeli Settlements Starting September

The Netherlands will enforce a ban on the import, purchase, and sale of goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements in the Golan Heights and occupied Palestinian territories starting September 22, 2026. Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen announced the implementation date to parliament, specifying that the measure covers imports, intermediate trade, and the activities of Dutch companies operating abroad.

The decree, published in the Staatscourant, targets agricultural products including wine, dates, oranges, and avocados. Intentional violations are classified as criminal acts, punishable by up to six years in prison or fines reaching €103,000. The Dutch Foreign Ministry stated the measures reinforce the country's commitment to international legal obligations and prevent economic activities from contributing to an unlawful occupation.

This national action follows a May government plan and aligns the Netherlands with other European nations, such as Belgium, Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, and Norway, after a bloc-wide European Union ban proved unfeasible. While the Council of State raised doubts regarding the ban's enforceability, it offered no objections to the decree.

Pro-Israel advocates and the group Christians for Israel have condemned the ban as immoral and impractical. Pieter van Oordt, director of the Israel Product Center, urged supporters to purchase remaining stock before the deadline, as the center expects to stop importing approximately 20,000 wine bottles annually.