Israel Reacts to Dutch Trade Ban on Goods from Disputed Territories
The Israeli Ministry of Economy is implementing urgent support measures for exporters affected by a new Dutch ban on goods from the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights.
The Ministry of Economy and Industry is preparing to address the consequences of a new government decree enacted in the Netherlands, which bans the import, sale, purchase, and brokerage services for goods originating from the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. In response, the ministry is launching a series of measures designed to assist Israeli exporters who may be harmed and to minimize the impact on Israel's trade activity.
Impact on Trade and Exporters
Under the decree, the burden of proving the origin of the goods rests with the Dutch importer. The restrictions are expected to directly affect exporters from the regions covered by the decree, as well as Israeli companies that incorporate raw materials or components originating beyond the Green Line into their production process. The Dutch move joins existing restrictions in Spain and planned measures in other European countries.
The Ministry of Economy notes that the volume of Israeli goods exports to the Netherlands from the regions in question stands at about $75 million annually—approximately 2.9% of total Israeli goods exports to the Netherlands. At the same دیر, the Netherlands is considered a significant market for Israel and serves as a major gateway for Israeli goods into Europe. Total trade volume between the countries in 2025 stood at about $4.17 billion, with Israel recording a trade surplus of about $1.06 billion.
Government Support and Alternative Markets
To deal with the situation, the Ministry of Economy has established a dedicated team within the Foreign Trade Administration that directly accompanies companies at risk of being harmed. At the same time, the ministry has accelerated the expansion of assistance tracks, allowing companies to receive grants of up to 200,000 shekels for the development of new markets. The track is now also aimed at food exporters and fresh produce, with more than 25 assistance requests already submitted by expectedly affected companies, including date exporters.
"The Ministry of Economy and Industry is monitoring changes in the trade policy of some European countries, and the Foreign Trade Administration is working to ensure that Israeli exports will not depend on a single market or region by working to open new markets... The goal is to leave no exporter to cope alone with changes in international markets," said Minister of Economy and Industry MK Nir Barkat.
Concurrently, the network of economic attachés is working to identify alternative export destinations outside Western Europe, including Australia, Chile, Colombia, and Eastern European countries. The ministry is also working to increase the presence of Israeli companies in international exhibitions, among other places in Asian markets, to help them find new customers and reduce dependence on markets where trade barriers are emerging.
Diplomatic and Economic Engagement
Alongside economic measures, Israel is also acting vis-à-vis the authorities in the Netherlands and the European Union. Economic attachés in The Hague and the EU are demanding clarifications regarding how the decree will be implemented and its customs aspects. At the same time, negotiations are underway with the US administration in an attempt to reduce tariffs on products that may be harmed by European restrictions, including kosher wine, dates, and tahini.
