Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp resigned on Friday, citing his inability to push forward with meaningful measures against Israel due to divisions within the cabinet. His exit marks a major setback for Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s coalition government, already under strain from deep disagreements over its Middle East policy.
Veldkamp told Dutch news agency ANP that his position had become untenable. “I see that I am insufficiently able to take meaningful additional measures to increase pressure on Israel,” he said.
Cabinet Deadlock Over Israel Policy
The coalition had been debating whether to impose sanctions on Israel, following growing domestic and international calls for accountability over its military operations. While Veldkamp had advocated for tougher action, including sanctions, his proposals repeatedly failed to gain enough backing from fellow ministers.
“I feel constrained in setting the course I consider necessary as foreign minister,” he explained, acknowledging that successive cabinet meetings had left him unable to lead effectively.
Strains in Rutte’s Coalition
The resignation throws fresh turbulence into Rutte’s fragile coalition, which has struggled to maintain unity on foreign policy. Just last month, Veldkamp declared Israeli far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich persona non grata in the Netherlands, a move that further highlighted divisions.
Although his proposals for new measures against Israel were “seriously discussed,” internal resistance ultimately blocked him from taking action.
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Broader International Pressure
The Netherlands was also among 21 countries that issued a joint statement on Thursday condemning Israel’s recent approval of a major West Bank settlement project, describing it as “unacceptable and contrary to international law.”
Veldkamp had signaled he would continue to press for stronger measures, but later admitted he lacked confidence in implementing meaningful policies in the weeks or months ahead, leading to his dramatic resignation.
