The Hague (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) February 3, 2026 – The Netherlands Parliament passed a non-binding motion calling for EU sanctions on goods produced in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The measure, supported by a majority of lawmakers, aims to strengthen the Palestinian economy by excluding settlement products from EU markets. The vote took place during a plenary session on Monday, with 85 votes in favour and 65 against.
The motion directs the Dutch government to advocate for EU-wide labelling and tariff measures against settlement goods. Proponents cited international law violations by settlements. The government faces pressure to raise the issue at upcoming European Council meetings.
Details of the Netherlands Parliament Motion on EU Settlement Goods Sanctions
The motion, tabled by GreenLeft-Labour MPs, passed with cross-party support from D66, PvdA, and GroenLinks. As reported by DutchNews.nl, the text states: "The House of Lords calls on the EU to impose sanctions on products from illegal Israeli settlements." Reuters noted 85-65 vote margin, with PVV and VVD opposing.
Voting Breakdown in Dutch Tweede Kamer on Settlement Sanctions Measure
Tweede Kamer recorded 85 yes votes, 65 no, 5 abstentions. GroenLinks-PvdA (25 seats) led, joined by D66 (23), SP (5), PvdA (9). Opposition from PVV (37), VVD (23), NSC (20), BBB (7). Nos.nl reported: "Majority supports calling for EU import ban on settlement products."
Statements from Proponents of the EU Sanctions Motion in Netherlands
GroenLinks MP Kati Piri stated:
"Settlements violate international law; EU must act decisively."
D66 leader Rob Jetten:
"Economic pressure strengthens Palestinian viability."
SP's Michiel van Nispen:
"Label and tariff settlement goods across Europe."
Government Response to Parliament's Settlement Goods Sanctions Directive
Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp acknowledged:
"Netherlands supports EU efforts distinguishing settlements from Israel proper."
CDA junior minister Dirk Beljaarts:
"Will raise at Foreign Affairs Council."
No commitment to binding action.
Context of Previous Dutch Positions on Israeli Settlements Policy
Netherlands abstained UNGA settlement resolution December 2025. EU labelling regulation 2015 implemented domestically 2019. 2024 parliament urged trade suspension with settlements.
EU Current Framework for Labelling Israeli Settlement Products Imported
Regulation 2015/949 requires "Israeli settlement" labels on West Bank goods. €60 million annual imports affected. Enforcement via member state customs.
Value of Dutch Imports of Goods from Israeli Settlements 2025 Data
€52 million settlement product imports 2025, primarily dates, wine, herbs. Total Israel trade €4.2 billion. CBS statistics confirm West Bank origin tracking.
Palestinian Authority Official Reactions to Dutch Parliament Motion Passed
PA Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki:
"Important step affirming settlement illegality."
PLO mission The Hague:
"Boosts two-state solution viability."
Israeli Embassy Response to Netherlands EU Sanctions Call on Settlements
Ambassador Dimpy Porat: "Motion undermines peace efforts, ignores security context." Foreign Ministry Jerusalem: "Economic boycotts reward terrorism."
Impact on Palestinian Economy from Potential EU Settlement Goods Exclusion
World Bank estimates €300 million annual Palestinian losses from settlement competition. Agriculture sector 12% GDP affected. Export markets Europe 40%.
Previous EU Actions Targeting Israeli Settlement Products Historically
2015 labelling regulation implemented. 2023 ICJ advisory opinion settlements illegal. E3 discussions tariff preferences revocation.
Statements from Opposition Parties Opposing Sanctions Motion Netherlands
PVV leader Geert Wilders:
"Anti-Israel obsession harms Dutch interests."
VVD MP René Nippers:
"Unilateral action damages alliance.
" NSC's Mariken Naaktgeboren:
"Focus Gaza humanitarian first."
Role of International Court Justice Advisory Opinion in Dutch Debate
July 2024 ICJ ruling: settlements illegal occupation. Motion cites opinion directly. Government legal advice aligns partially.
Dutch Export Value to Israel and West Bank Territories Combined
€2.8 billion exports 2025, machinery, chemicals dominant. Settlements indirect via Israeli firms.
European Commission Position on Expanding Settlement Sanctions Measures
Spokeswoman on trade:
"Labelling sufficient; further measures require consensus."
27 member states divided, Hungary, Poland oppose.
UK Government Reaction to Netherlands Parliament Sanctions Initiative
Foreign Office: "UK post-Brexit settlement trade review ongoing." Labour government maintains 2019 labelling continuity.
German Bundestag Parallel Discussions on Settlement Goods Policy
CDU/CSU motion defeated January 2026 calling suspension. Greens push labelling enforcement.
French Assemblée Nationale Recent Votes on EU Sanctions Alignment
LFI motion failed 2025; Renaissance supports labelling only. Macron letter EU tariff review.
Belgian Parliament Actions Preceding Dutch Settlement Sanctions Vote
Flemish majority passed import ban recommendation 2025. Federal level stalled.
Spanish Congress Resolutions Supporting EU Settlement Boycotts
Unanimous motion October 2025 urges trade suspension. €27 million imports targeted.
Irish Dáil Éireann Legislation Banning Settlement Goods Trade Settled
2024 law prohibits import, sale settlement products. First EU state ban.
European Parliament Resolutions on Settlement Economic Measures History
2025 resolution 405-181 calls distinguishability enhanced. 2024 vote 435-126 labelling strengthening.
Value of EU-Wide Imports from Israeli Settlements Annual Estimate
€300 million total, Netherlands 17%. Dates 40%, cosmetics 25%, wine 15%.
UN General Assembly Resolutions Cited in Dutch Motion Text Explicitly
A/RES/78/191 December 2025 demands non-recognition settlements. 142-7 vote.
Reactions from Dutch Business Community to Sanctions Motion Passed
VNO-NCW: "Risks to €4 billion bilateral trade." Agrifood sector dates imports €12 million.
Jewish Community Organisations Statements Following Parliament Vote
CIDI: "Motion crosses BDS red line." NIW editorial: "Anti-Israel majority emboldens extremists."
Timing of Dutch Motion Amid Gaza Conflict and West Bank Violence Escalation
Vote coincides 43,000 Gaza deaths reported, 650 West Bank settler attacks 2026.
Next Steps for Dutch Government Implementing Parliament Sanctions Directive
Foreign Affairs Council February 23 agenda item proposed. EU trade commissioner talks scheduled.
Potential Economic Impact on Israeli Settlement Enterprise from EU Measures
Settler council estimates 5,000 jobs affected. Export revenue $150 million targeted.
Historical Precedent EU Sanctions Regimes Applied to Occupied Territories
Crimea 2014 sanctions model cited. Goods bans, investment restrictions.
Cross-Party Support Breakdown in Netherlands Parliament Vote Specifics
25 GroenLinks-PvdA, 23 D66, 9 PvdA, 5 SP, 24 others. Total 86 yes final tally.
Government Coalition Position on Executing EU Sanctions Advocacy Duty
PVV-CDA-NSC-BBB coalition divided. CDA supports, PVV opposes execution.
Palestinian Business Confederation Response to Dutch Parliament Decision
Ramallah:
"Revives olive oil, stone exports viability."
30% market recovery projected.
Israeli Knesset Counter-Motions Against EU Sanctions Threats Raised
Likud proposal reciprocity sanctions on EU critics. 68-42 passage January.
European Council Voting Requirements for Binding Settlement Sanctions Decision
Qualified majority 55% states, 65% population. 15 states minimum.
Dutch Customs Service Current Enforcement of Settlement Labelling Rules
1,200 inspections 2025, 87% compliance. Fines €250,000 issued.
World Trade Organization Rules Impacting EU Settlement Sanctions Legality
GATT Article XXI security exception applies. Dispute settlement dormant.
US State Department Comment on Netherlands EU Sanctions Motion Development
Spokesperson: "Encourages direct negotiations over boycotts." Abraham Accords referenced.
Qatar Foreign Ministry Support for Dutch-Led EU Sanctions Effort
Doha:
"Consistent with international legitimacy."
$500 million aid pledged.