Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has firmly rejected criticisms from far-right leader Geert Wilders regarding a recent letter that expressed concern about Israel’s actions. In a statement made on Thursday, Schoof emphasized that the government is not required to seek Wilders’ approval for voicing its stance on Israel.
Government’s stance on Israel’s actions
The context for this tension stems from a letter written by Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, which was directed to the EU’s top diplomat earlier this week. In the letter, Veldkamp called for a review of the European Union’s association agreement with Israel due to alarming humanitarian conditions in Gaza. He criticized Israel for its military actions in the region and its inability to restrain settler violence in the West Bank.
Veldkamp articulated the gravity of the situation in Gaza, stating, “The situation in Gaza compels us to take this step. Our government will draw a line in the sand.” This strong condemnation has not gone unnoticed, provoking Wilders, who labeled the government’s actions as “ridiculous anti-Israel measures.”
Coalition dynamics and political implications
Wilders, whose Party for Freedom (PVV) holds the largest number of seats in the Dutch parliament and supports the ruling coalition, questioned why his party was not consulted prior to the issuance of the letter. On social media platform X, he inquired, “Were all ministers from all parties informed in advance?”
In response, Prime Minister Schoof defended Veldkamp’s decision, asserting that the government operates independently of Wilders’ influence. “It is a decision by Minister Veldkamp,” he told Dutch broadcaster NOS. “I will not make any statements about how it came about.”
Schoof also clarified that while the Cabinet typically seeks consensus among the four parties that make up the coalition, the government is not beholden to any single party leader regarding its actions. He referred specifically to Wilders, stating, “But it is not the case that we listen to, say, one party leader with regard to the steps we take.”
A Dutch government official, who spoke anonymously, highlighted that the coalition agreement permits such actions without requiring consensus from all parties, pointing out that Wilders appears to be leveraging the situation to galvanize his political base.
This political strife follows a period of heightened tensions, including a crisis within the Dutch government last November when a minister resigned due to violent confrontations between local residents and Israeli football supporters in Amsterdam. The current ruling coalition, which took shape after extensive negotiations lasting over seven months, includes the far-right PVV, the center-right People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), the populist Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), and the centrist NSC.