Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp abruptly resigned Friday, triggering a political earthquake after the cabinet failed to endorse new sanctions against Israel. Consequently, Veldkamp’s centre-right New Social Contract Party immediately exited the governing coalition, further intensifying political chaos across the Netherlands.
Veldkamp on Thursday expressed his desire for new measures against Israel due to its aggressive tactics in the ongoing Gaza conflict with Hamas. Last month, the Netherlands declared far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich persona non grata. Additionally, the Netherlands joined 21 other countries in condemning Israel’s approval of a significant West Bank settlement project, labeling it “unacceptable and contrary to international law.”
Cabinet Deadlock and Resignation
After the cabinet became deadlocked on Friday regarding potential new measures to pressure Israel, Veldkamp stated to ANP that he felt “insufficiently able to take meaningful additional measures.” He added, “I feel constrained in setting the course I consider necessary as foreign minister.” Veldkamp noted that his proposed steps against Israel were “seriously discussed,” but he faced resistance in multiple cabinet meetings.
The Dutch government has faced mounting pressure from protests against Israel’s military actions since the 7 October, 2023, Hamas attacks. Demonstrations in The Hague attracted between 100,000 and 150,000 participants, marking the largest protests in the Netherlands in two decades. Protesters demanded sanctions against Israel and humanitarian access for civilians in Gaza. On Friday, the United Nations officially declared a famine in Gaza, attributing it to “systematic obstruction” of aid by Israel.
EU’s Struggle for Consensus
European Union foreign ministers have struggled to reach a consensus on collective sanctions against Israel, despite pressure from several member states. Proposed measures have included suspending Israel’s participation in a €900 million EU science and technology program, imposing trade restrictions, and implementing visa bans for specific Israeli officials.
In the Netherlands, Veldkamp previously informed parliament that Ben-Gvir and Smotrich “repeatedly incited settler violence against Palestinians, promoted illegal settlement expansion, and called for ethnic cleansing in Gaza.” In response, Smotrich accused European leaders of yielding to “the lies of radical Islam” and “rising antisemitism.” Ben-Gvir asserted that he would continue to advocate for Israel, even if banned from “all of Europe.”
Casualties of the Conflict
The October 2023 Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, primarily civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Israel’s military offensive has claimed at least 62,192 Palestinian lives, most of whom are civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, which the UN considers reliable.
Following the withdrawal of Gert Wilders’ far-right Freedom Party (PVV) from the coalition in June, the Dutch government has called for new elections on 29 October. Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed regret over Veldkamp’s resignation and the withdrawal of his party, which is the fourth largest in parliament. As the fragile government heads into the election campaign, Schoof acknowledged that the situation in Gaza is “worsening” and “dramatic.” “Everyone is aware of that,” he told deputies.
