Dutch FM Urges EU to Reassess Israel Deal

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp has called for an urgent review of the European Union’s association agreement with Israel, arguing that its military operations in Gaza may violate international humanitarian law.

"The situation in Gaza compels us to take this step," Veldkamp said in a letter to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, obtained by POLITICO. "Our government will draw a line in the sand."

The letter criticizes Israel’s conduct in Gaza and Syria, as well as its failure to curb settler violence in the West Bank. Veldkamp specifically questioned whether Israel’s aid distribution system complies with principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence, warning that its blockade risks breaching Article 2 of the EU-Israel agreement.

"I withhold the support of the Netherlands for extending the EU-Israel Action Plan pending a review of Article 2," he wrote. The Action Plan, which implements the association agreement, requires unanimous EU approval for renewal.

Growing Pressure on Israel

The Netherlands has steadily hardened its stance since ceasefire talks collapsed in March. In April, it tightened export controls on dual-use goods to Israel. Now, its push to reassess the EU-Israel deal aligns with broader European scrutiny, including from Germany, which recently sent its foreign minister to Israel for talks.

Veldkamp’s letter is expected to feature in discussions at an upcoming EU foreign ministers' meeting in Warsaw, where Middle East policy will be a key topic.

The EU-Israel Association Agreement, in force since 2000, governs trade and political ties on the condition of adherence to human rights. A Dutch veto on its renewal would mark a significant shift for one of Israel’s traditional European allies.

Domestic and International Reactions

The move has drawn backlash from far-right Dutch leader Geert Wilders, whose Party for Freedom (PVV) is part of the governing coalition. Wilders called Veldkamp "weak" and accused him of siding with "anti-Israel protesters."

Prime Minister Dick Schoof, however, defended the letter, stating it reflected government policy. "We’ve drawn our line in the sand because the situation in Gaza is catastrophic," Veldkamp reiterated at the Warsaw meeting.

Other EU ministers echoed concerns. Belgium’s Maxime Prévot called the humanitarian crisis "an absolute shame," while Luxembourg’s Xavier Bettel lamented Israel’s apparent disregard for international appeals.

The EU will further discuss the matter at a May 20 meeting in Brussels, where potential responses to Israel’s military escalation will be debated.