Netherlands bans 'Israeli' settlement goods

• The Netherlands banned settlement goods while Britain, France, Germany and Italy warned firms against involvement in Israeli settlement projects in the occupied West Bank.

European pressure on Israel over settlement expansion intensified Friday after the Netherlands announced a ban on trade in goods from 'Israeli' settlements, while the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy jointly warned companies against participating in construction projects in the occupied West Bank.

In a strongly worded joint statement, the four European powers said the situation in the West Bank had “deteriorated significantly” in recent months, describing settler violence against Palestinians as being at “unprecedented levels.”

“The policies and practices of the Israeli government, including a further entrenchment of Israeli control, are undermining stability and prospects for a two-state solution,” the statement said.

The countries urged 'Israel' to halt settlement expansion, ensure accountability for settler violence, investigate allegations against 'Israeli' forces and respect Jordan’s Hashemite custodianship over Jerusalem’s holy sites. They also called on 'Israel' to lift financial restrictions imposed on the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian economy.

The statement specifically condemned Israel’s controversial E1 settlement plan, which would see around 3,400 housing units built across 12 square kilometers in the West Bank. The European powers described the project as a “serious breach of international law.”

“Businesses should not bid for construction tenders for E1 or other settlement developments,” the statement said, warning companies of the “legal and reputational consequences” of involvement in settlement projects.

The four countries also said they “strongly oppose” calls by some Israeli officials for annexation and the forcible displacement of Palestinians.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands took a further step by agreeing to ban trade in goods originating from 'Israeli' settlements in the West Bank and other occupied territories.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said the measure was intended to increase pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and ensure the Netherlands does not contribute financially to settlement activity.

The Dutch government is also examining whether bans on services and investments linked to settlements can be implemented legally.

In a letter to parliament, Dutch ministers acknowledged that enforcing such measures could prove difficult but argued that taking action was preferable to remaining passive. The cabinet has requested urgent legal advice from the Council of State to expedite implementation.

The moves come amid mounting international scrutiny of 'Israeli' settlement policies. According to 'Israeli' anti-settlement watchdog Peace Now, 2025 marked a record year for settlement expansion in the West Bank, with unprecedented numbers of settlement approvals, illegal outposts and housing tenders recorded.

The group accused the 'Israeli' government of prioritizing settlement growth while failing to adequately support 'Israelis' displaced by conflicts following the October 7, 2023 events.

Violence in the West Bank has also surged since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, with near-daily clashes and attacks reported across the territory.

The latest European criticism follows heightened tensions in Israel-Europe relations after footage circulated showing European activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla allegedly subjected to harsh treatment while in 'Israeli' custody.

The video, published by 'Israeli' National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, appeared to show detainees kneeling with their hands restrained.