Dutch Foreign Minister Quits Over Israel Sanctions Deadlock
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp resigned on August 22, 2025, after the caretaker cabinet failed to reach an agreement on imposing sanctions against Israel. Veldkamp said he could not continue without delivering “meaningful additional measures” in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
NSC Ministers Step Down
Following Veldkamp’s resignation, other ministers from the New Social Contract (NSC) party also left their posts, effectively dismantling the fragile caretaker cabinet. The cabinet had been in place only since June, after the collapse of the previous coalition.
Gaza Conflict at the Core
The resignations came amid international pressure on European governments to take stronger action against Israel over its military operations in Gaza and settlement expansion in the West Bank. Reports of a UN-recognized famine in Gaza intensified calls for urgent measures, further deepening divisions within the Dutch government.
Failed Sanctions Proposal
Veldkamp had pushed for targeted sanctions, including a ban on goods produced in Israeli settlements, travel restrictions on hardline Israeli leaders, and suspension of Dutch military exports to Israel. However, these proposals failed to gain majority support within the cabinet, leading to his resignation.
Political Fallout and Elections
Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed regret over the departures, acknowledging the instability caused by the collapse. With national elections already scheduled for October 29, the resignations are expected to intensify political campaigning and leave the Netherlands in a prolonged state of uncertainty.
