Middle East

Still Israel's closest friend in Dutch politics? How Geert Wilders was welcomed by senior Israeli leaders as the Dutch government announced new sanctions against Israeli settlements

Geert Wilders (centre) with Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan (left) and Israeli Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana during Wilders' visit to Israel and the West Bank in July 2026. / photo: X

As the Dutch government increased pressure on Israeli settlements, Geert Wilders was shaking hands with senior Israeli leaders and touring the West Bank. The visit highlighted his enduring ties to Israel at a moment of growing diplomatic tension between The Hague and Jerusalem. Read on for the full story and our analysis.

Summer discounts. Serious insights.
Your summer pass to Dutch politics, diplomacy and defence.

☀️ View our summer discounts!

The Netherlands condemns Taliban crackdown on women, while backing EU talks with Afghanistan

The Dutch government has sharply condemned the Taliban's violent crackdown on a women's rights protest in Afghanistan, accusing the regime of violating fundamental human rights. Yet at the same time, The Hague is supporting European efforts to maintain technical contacts with the Taliban on sensitive issues,

US ambassador Joe Popolo calls the Netherlands America’s top ally in Europe, but warns The Hague over trade, tech and the ICC

The United States views the Netherlands as its most important partner in Europe. Yet behind the warm words of US Ambassador in The Netherlands, Joe Popolo, lies a tougher message: Washington expects continued Dutch alignment on trade, technology and security, and is prepared to push back when Dutch policy moves

The Netherlands backs Klaas Knot for president of the European Central Bank. Can he really become the next ECB chief, if Lagarde leaves?

The Dutch government has publicly thrown its weight behind Klaas Knot as a potential successor to Christine Lagarde at the helm of the European Central Bank (ECB), a move that places the former Dutch central banker firmly in the race for one of Europe's most influential economic jobs.

Questions in parliament over top Dutch defence official's role at venue behind Israel boycott

The Dutch government’s most senior civil servant at the Ministry of Defence is facing political questions over an side role that has suddenly become part of the Netherlands’ increasingly polarised debate over Israel and Gaza. Right-wing opposition MPs are demanding answers about whether Maarten Schurink, the secretary-general

Read more

The Netherlands condemns Taliban crackdown on women, while backing EU talks with Afghanistan

US ambassador Joe Popolo calls the Netherlands America’s top ally in Europe, but warns The Hague over trade, tech and the ICC

The Netherlands backs Klaas Knot for president of the European Central Bank. Can he really become the next ECB chief, if Lagarde leaves?

Questions in parliament over top Dutch defence official's role at venue behind Israel boycott