The Netherlands will begin its ban on the import, purchase, and sale of goods from Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories on September 22, 2026, the Dutch government announced Tuesday. The government already decided on the sanctions on May 22, 2026, and the Council of State has now issued its advice, which has not led to any changes to the decision. The ban was made official today and will enter into force on September 22.
The Dutch government considers the settlements unlawful. With the proposed measures, the Netherlands says it is giving further substance to its obligation under international law not to contribute to this “unlawful” situation.
Practical impacts of the ban on imports
From September 22, it will be forbidden to import goods from Israeli settlements; buy and sell goods from Israeli settlements; provide services that facilitate trade in goods from Israeli settlements (so-called brokering services); and circumvent the above prohibitions.
“I am deeply ashamed of the betrayal by the Dutch left-liberal government of Islam lovers and Israel haters,” said Dutch politician Geert Wilders.
The ban is more symbolic in value than practical, as it will be challenging to enforce it.
A similar ban on imports from Israeli settlements has now passed the upper house of the Irish parliament (the Seanad).
The Jerusalem Post covered when the bill passed in the lower house (the Dáil) on July 7.
The legislation, formally entitled the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill, prohibits the importation of goods originating from Israeli settlements but does not apply to the importation of goods of a non-commercial nature that form part of someone’s personal baggage and are intended for his or her personal consumption.
Various members of the Senate are now attempting to have a services ban included in the bill.
“Ireland has chosen to boycott Jews instead of confronting terrorism,” said Israel’s Foreign Ministry. “It’s a political victory for jihadi Hamas.”
Ireland’s move comes despite direct opposition from US President Donald Trump’s administration.