August 25, 2026 (JNS) — Israel has decided to remove the Dutch presence from the U.S.-led Civil-Military Coordination Center situated in Kiryat Gat, a city in southern Israel. This move was confirmed on Tuesday by Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar.
This decision comes as a reaction to a series of actions deemed hostile towards Israel by the Dutch government. Most notably, a new Dutch law is about to take effect, prohibiting trade of goods produced in Judea and Samaria, eastern Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. According to Sa’ar, these measures prompted Israel’s response.
With this legislation, the Netherlands aligns itself with other European nations such as Belgium, Ireland, and Spain, which also limit trade with Jewish settlements in these regions. The broader international community typically considers these areas to be occupied territories.
Israel has maintained for years that it annexed eastern Jerusalem and the Golan Heights following defensive military operations, solidifying its claim on these territories.
In making his announcement, Sa’ar mentioned that he had already informed both the Netherlands and the United States of Israel’s decision, ensuring diplomatic channels were utilized before going public.
He gave Dutch representatives at the center a week to depart from Israel, and the expulsion from the center took effect immediately, he said.
Established by US Central Command in October 2025, the center is a multinational command facility overseeing the Gaza cease-fire, including humanitarian aid delivery and post-war stabilization planning, such as reconstruction and security.
The facility includes working areas for the Israel Defense Forces, US personnel and dozens of multinational delegations.
Sa’ar said the Dutch government’s anti-Israel policy “has been accompanied by an unprecedented wave of antisemitism and boycotts in the Netherlands.”
“Our message is clear,” he stated. “Those who act against Israel will have no foothold in the region. Israel will not allow measures to be taken against it without a response.”