Six Years in Prison: Europe Imposes New Ban on Israel
The Netherlands is introducing one of Europe's strictest control regimes over products from Israeli settlements. A new law, effective September 22, bans the import, purchase, sale, and brokerage of goods from Judea and Samaria and the Golan Heights. Violators face up to six years in prison, even for purchases made in Israel. The restrictions do not apply to services. Authorities cite international law and the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.
The Netherlands is tightening restrictions on products from Israeli settlements, introducing one of the strictest control regimes in Europe. The new law, effective September 22, bans not only import but also purchase, sale, and brokerage of such products. The rules apply to goods produced in Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria, as well as the Golan Heights. Restrictions even affect products if only part of their components or raw materials were produced in these territories. A unique feature of the law is its extraterritorial application: Dutch citizens may face criminal liability if they knowingly purchase prohibited goods while in Israel. The maximum penalty is six years in prison. The restrictions apply exclusively to goods and do not extend to services. Dutch authorities explain their decision by stating they do not intend to support economic activity in settlements they consider illegal under international law. In preparing the law, the government relied on the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice published in 2024. According to expert estimates, the direct economic consequences for Israel may be limited, but Jerusalem fears a broader effect. The Netherlands is one of Israel's important trading partners in Europe, and the new rules may prompt companies to cease cooperation with Israeli suppliers. Additional concern arises from the possibility that the Netherlands' example will become a model for other European states.