Reprimand Call to Dutch Ambassador: "The Policy Fuels Anti-Semitism"

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar held a reprimand call today (Tuesday) with Dutch Ambassador to Israel Mariet Schuurman – following "the steps that the Dutch government has recently decided upon against the State of Israel, its security, and against ministers serving in its government." The call comes after the government banned Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the country this morning.

In the call, Sa'ar told the ambassador that "the Dutch government's policy toward Israel fuels anti-Semitism in the Netherlands. The same anti-Semitism we were exposed to in all its ugliness in the pogroms that took place in the streets of Amsterdam against Israelis last November." He further clarified that Israel will not surrender to jihadist elements, and on this occasion wished the Netherlands success in future dealings with radical Islamic elements that have established themselves in its territory.

According to Sa'ar, "the pressure should have been directed toward Hamas and not toward Israel. And in any case – the Netherlands' intention to bring about a change in Israel's policy through applying pressure on it – is rejected outright and destined to fail. Steps like those taken by the Netherlands (as well as other countries) have already harmed the chances of reaching a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for releasing hostages, strengthened Hamas's refusal, and are pushing precisely toward military escalation."

Sa'ar also said in the call that Dutch Foreign Minister Waldkamp is well aware of the significant steps Israel has taken in the humanitarian aspect. According to him, the choice to take action against Israel following these steps demonstrates a complete lack of connection between the reality on the ground and the Dutch government's policy.

In conclusion, the Foreign Minister expressed regret that the outgoing government in the Netherlands "chose to exchange years of friendship with Israel for open hostility toward it, precisely in its difficult hour, apparently out of political interests." "This treatment will not remain one-sided and without response," it was reported. "Minister Sa'ar is convinced that among the Dutch people, Israel has many friends – and he is convinced that their voice will continue to be heard."