The Dutch government has announced a significant tightening of restrictions on the export of military and dual-use goods to Israel, a decision that comes amid ongoing concerns over the security situation in the region. On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the government confirmed that all exports of these goods would now be subject to rigorous scrutiny to ensure compliance with European regulations.
In a letter addressed to the parliament, Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot and Trade Minister Geoffrey van Leeuwen stated, "More attention should be paid to the security situation in Israel, the Palestinian territories, and the region as a whole." They emphasized that the possible deployment of these goods necessitates careful examination under the European framework.
The Dutch government has maintained that no military goods have been exported to Israel since the onset of the conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023. This general restriction has been in place due to the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing war. The ministers noted that while exporters can still apply for licenses, these will be individually assessed, marking a shift from the previous general export licenses that allowed for quicker approval.
One area of particular concern is the export of "information security products," such as network security equipment, which have been regularly sent to Israel under less stringent regulations. The government estimates that the new measures will require between 50 and 100 separate licenses for these types of exports, reflecting a more cautious approach to trade with Israel.
This move comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces increasing scrutiny and challenges on the international stage. Following a visit to Budapest, where he attended a meeting with officials, Netanyahu took a longer route to Washington to avoid flying over countries that might enforce an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC has accused him of war crimes related to the conflict in Gaza.
According to the Israeli newspaper "Haaretz," Netanyahu's flight path was altered by approximately 400 kilometers to prevent any potential legal complications should he need to make an emergency landing in a country that recognizes the ICC's authority, such as the Netherlands. The report indicated that there are concerns within Israeli leadership that countries like Ireland and Iceland could act on the ICC's warrant.
Since the conflict began, Netanyahu's trips to the United States have consistently avoided flying over nations that could enforce the warrant, opting instead for routes through Greece, Italy, and France. Upon his arrival in Washington, he was met with protests calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner exchange.
The tightening of export controls by the Dutch government reflects broader concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 166,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed or injured since the conflict began. The situation has drawn international condemnation and calls for accountability regarding the actions of both Israel and Hamas.
Last year, a Dutch court ordered the government to halt all exports of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel due to fears that these components could be used in violations of international law during the ongoing conflict. Human rights organizations have accused the Dutch government of failing to enforce this ruling effectively, leading to legal action against it.
Oxfam Novib, one of the NGOs involved in the legal proceedings, expressed disappointment, stating, "Unfortunately, everything indicates that these parts from the Netherlands end up in Israel through indirect routes." The Dutch government has acknowledged challenges in preventing exported components from being used in Israeli military operations, especially when they are sent to third countries like the United States.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the international community is watching closely how countries like the Netherlands respond to the ongoing conflict and their obligations under international law. The recent export restrictions are seen as a step towards greater accountability and adherence to human rights standards.
In summary, the Dutch government's new export restrictions signal a significant shift in policy regarding military trade with Israel, reflecting heightened awareness of the complex security landscape in the region. As global scrutiny increases, the implications of these restrictions will likely reverberate through diplomatic channels and impact future relations between the Netherlands and Israel.
