Netherlands bans settlement products, Israel expands export aid and seeks new markets

A Dutch decree that bars the import, sale, purchase and brokerage of goods originating from Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria became effective on Tuesday, also covering products from the Golan Heights and eastern Jerusalem. In response, Israel's Ministry of Economy and Industry announced an expanded assistance package, offering eligible exporters grants of up to NIS 200,000 to develop new markets and assigning economic attachés to locate partners abroad.

More than 25 firms, among them date exporters, have already sought support. The ministry noted that direct Israeli exports to the Netherlands amount to roughly $75 million a year, representing 2.9% of Israel's total exports to the country, while overall bilateral trade reached about $4.17 billion in 2025. Officials cautioned that the ban could deter foreign importers from dealing with Israeli companies due to origin-verification concerns, and they are pursuing opportunities in Australia, Chile, Colombia, Eastern Europe and negotiating possible U.S. tariff reductions. Meanwhile, Israeli services exports to the Netherlands rose 34% to about $529 million, driven by high-tech and digital sectors.