New rules in the Netherlands: are tourists from Israel facing prison?

Israel's Foreign Ministry states it has no data on actual cases of criminal prosecution of Israelis in the Netherlands for transporting goods from settlements. However, diplomats warn that the legal possibility of criminal liability exists and recommend refraining from bringing such products.

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that as of now, it has no information about actual cases of criminal prosecution of Israeli citizens in the Netherlands due to the discovery of goods from settlements in Judea, Samaria, or the Golan Heights in their luggage. The information came from a source in the Israeli foreign ministry via blogger Vitaly Novoselov. Ministry representatives note that it is still difficult to predict how Dutch authorities will apply the new restrictions in practice and whether it will lead to legal proceedings. However, the legal possibility of criminal prosecution exists, so diplomats strongly recommend that Israelis refrain from bringing such products. As a reminder, since September 22, the Netherlands has imposed a ban on importing goods from Israeli settlements in disputed territories, including Arab neighborhoods of Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the Golan Heights. The restrictions also apply to items in passengers' personal luggage. Previously, Israel's Foreign Ministry had already issued a warning about possible prolonged inspections at Dutch airports.