Israel orders Dutch officials to leave Gaza coordination center over 'anti-Israel' measures

Israel on Tuesday instructed Dutch officials to leave the U.S.-backed Gaza Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in the Israeli city of Kiryat Gat, citing what Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described as “anti-Israel” measures by the Dutch government.

The CMCC was established by the Trump administration as an international hub for coordinating activities related to Gaza.

“The anti-Israel policy of the Dutch government is accompanied by an unprecedented wave of antisemitism and boycotts in that country,” Sa’ar said. “Our message is clear: whoever acts against Israel will have no foothold in the region. Israel will not allow measures against it to go unanswered.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly approved the decision, which was conveyed to the Dutch Embassy in Tel Aviv and to American officials.

The Netherlands and Israel have historically enjoyed close relations. However, relations have deteriorated sharply following the Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack on southern Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.

The move comes amid a sharp deterioration in relations between Israel and the Netherlands since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack on southern Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. The Dutch government has increasingly criticized Israel’s military campaign against Hamas and has taken a series of measures targeting Israeli policies and trade.

Last month, the Netherlands recently legislated a trade ban on Israeli products originating in East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights and Judea and Samaria (West Bank). The measure is set to take effect in September.

Earlier this month, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced that the Netherlands was seeking to suspend the trade component of the Association Agreement between Israel and the European Union. Veldkamp told Israeli Ambassador to the Netherlands Modi Ephraim that the move was driven by international criticism of Israel over the Gaza war.

In July, the Netherlands also added Israel to a list of states considered threatening to the country, alongside countries including Russia and Iran, citing concerns over foreign influence and attempts to affect political opinion. Dutch Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders criticized the government's approach toward Israel, saying he was “deeply ashamed” of the measures.

Tensions have also extended beyond government policy. Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS confirmed on Monday that it would boycott the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in Bulgaria because of Israel’s participation.

The Netherlands is the second country after Spain whose officials have been removed from the Gaza coordination center.