Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp has stepped down after failing to persuade his cabinet colleagues to support tougher sanctions against Israel over its ongoing military campaign in Gaza. His resignation adds to the political uncertainty in the Netherlands as the caretaker government struggles to maintain stability ahead of October’s general elections.
Veldkamp, a member of the New Social Contract party, said he faced constant resistance from fellow ministers when pushing for stronger action. His proposals included imposing travel bans on Israeli far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, canceling export permits for Dutch-made navy ship components that could be used in Gaza, and suspending the EU–Israel trade agreement. Germany strongly opposed these measures at the EU level, blocking consensus.
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Speaking to reporters, Veldkamp said that the scale of destruction in Gaza, the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and new building approvals in East Jerusalem made inaction unacceptable. He also criticized the lack of unity within the European Union, saying that symbolic condemnations were not enough while famine conditions were worsening in Gaza.
His resignation comes amid rising pressure from Dutch lawmakers who have demanded that the Netherlands act independently if EU sanctions remain blocked. Reports also highlight that Dutch ports, including Rotterdam, continue to play a role in the supply chain of F-35 fighter jet components used in Israeli airstrikes.
Earlier this week, the Netherlands joined 20 EU states in condemning Israel’s settlement expansion in the West Bank, calling it illegal under international law. However, critics argue that such statements have little impact without concrete sanctions.
No successor has been named yet, leaving the Netherlands without a foreign minister at a crucial time. The caretaker government, already weakened since the coalition collapsed in June, is expected to handle foreign policy until after the October elections. But with coalition talks likely to take months, the post may remain vacant well into next year.
