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Dutch Foreign Minister Quits Over Cabinet Resistance to Tougher Israel Measures

The resignation lands in a caretaker period before snap elections on 29 October.

Overview

  • Caspar Veldkamp announced he was stepping down after saying he could not take "meaningful additional measures" to increase pressure on Israel.
  • He said his proposals were seriously discussed but met resistance in multiple cabinet meetings, leaving him without confidence to continue.
  • In recent weeks his ministry declared Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir undesirable, and he advocated partially suspending the EUIsrael association agreement.
  • The Netherlands joined 20 other states in a declaration condemning planned settlement expansion in the West Bank.
  • His NSC party withdrew from the governing coalition after his resignation, and the caretaker government continues ahead of the 29 October election.