The Hague (Quds News Network)- The Dutch caretaker government has announced new steps against Israel following an emergency meeting held today. The decision marks a significant shift in the Netherlands’ approach to Israel amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The Dutch government is preparing a travel ban on two Israeli ministers; Betzalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, due to their extreme positions, including calls for ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp also summoned the Israeli ambassador for urgent explanations regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. At the same time, the government is considering recalling the Dutch ambassador from Tel Aviv for consultations. Prime Minister Dick Schoof confirmed the new direction in a call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said: “If the EU decides tomorrow that Israel is not in compliance with the relevant agreements on this, the Netherlands supports the plan to suspend Israeli participation in the EU research programme Horizon. If that proves to be the case, tomorrow in Brussels the Netherlands will also press for further European measures, for example in the realm of trade.” The Horizon Europe program is the EU’s flagship scientific research partnership. Suspending Israel’s participation would be a major blow to its academic sector. In Brussels, the Netherlands is also backing EU-wide trade sanctions and an arms embargo against Israel. Domestically, the Dutch government is preparing additional penalties, including an import ban on Israeli products from occupied territories. Sources said that while recognition of a Palestinian state is not currently on the table, there was broad support for stronger measures across coalition parties VVD, NSC, and BBB. While the Dutch government prefers coordinated EU action, it is preparing unilateral steps due to divisions among EU member states. Germany and Hungary reportedly oppose tough measures, slowing collective decisions. “If we act with all 27 [EU countries], we can move things,” Veldkamp said. “But if Israel continues to violate agreements, we must be ready to act alone.” The Netherlands has already backed a Swedish initiative to sanction Smotrich and Ben-Gvir. More decisions are expected after Tuesday’s EU briefing, where ambassadors will assess Israel’s compliance with humanitarian obligations.