The Dutch government recently issued a directive to stores nationwide asking them to mark products produced in lands liberated by Israel during the 1967 Six Day War.

The new policy, which targets goods manufactured in Judea, Samaria, eastern Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, makes the Netherlands the second European country to do so after Britain. The Dutch Ministry of Economy and Trade stressed that the “decision was made after consulting the European Commission” and would include items such as fruit, honey, and cosmetics.

Instead of “Made in Israel,” products would be labeled as made in “Israeli settlement in the Golan Heights, East Jerusalem, the West Bank or in Palestinian territories.”

Timmermans, the country’s foreign minister, added that they did not “want to contribute to the economy of the illegal settlements.” Last week the EU recommended its members avoid doing business with Israeli cities in post-67 territory: “[EU members should] prevent, discourage and raise awareness about problematic implications of financial transactions, including direct investments from within the EU in support of settlement activities, infrastructure and services.”

Although this is a government recommendation, no steps will be taken at this point against those who don’t comply.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem / Shurat HaDin Israel Law Center)