How the Netherlands turned from a friendly country into one of the most hostile arenas for Israel

The article reviews the deterioration in Netherlands-Israel relations through a series of recent events: a ban on trade with Judea and Samaria, checks at Schiphol Airport for passengers from Israel, and a controversy surrounding a Gaza-born student who received a scholarship and expressed support for Hamas. Alongside a pro-Israel demonstration at Dam Square, the article presents a complex picture of strict government policy alongside public support.

The article examines the shift in the Netherlands' attitude toward Israel through a series of recent events. The most prominent move is the ban on trade with Judea and Samaria, which Dr. Eliyahu Sapir of Maastricht University explains is intended to send a message to Israel, although Dutch bureaucracy will make enforcement difficult. Meanwhile, checks on bags and suitcases of passengers arriving from Israel at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam were reported, aimed at detecting products from Judea and Samaria, with violations potentially leading to prison sentences. Another controversy arose around a student of Gaza origin named Hussein Issa, who received a study scholarship at a local university and in circulated videos was seen reacting to Hamas videos saying "October 7... I was there." He was suspended, but his acceptance itself drew criticism. Dr. Sapir links the cases to a wave of antisemitism that began after October 7, and claims that Hamas supporters have found their way into academic institutions in the Netherlands. The minority government led by Yitan relies on cooperation aimed at preventing the Dutch right wing led by Geert Wilders from returning to power. Alongside this, a large pro-Israel demonstration took place at Dam Square. The complex picture shows strict government policy alongside continued public support.