Thirteen American states are demanding that the Netherlands withdraw trade restrictions and sanctions targeting Israeli economic activity in occupied territories.
The coalition of state attorneys general sent a letter on Nov. 5, 2026, to the Dutch ambassador in Washington, Birgitta Tazelaar, as well as the British ambassador. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird led the initiative, joined by counterparts from 12 other states.
The signatories include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. All 13 states voted in majority for President Donald Trump in 2024 and were classified as red states ahead of the midterm elections.
Bird argued that the Dutch trade ban on goods from Israeli settlements in occupied territories impacts American companies through global trade pathways. The Netherlands enacted the national trade ban on Sept. 22, 2026, covering goods from the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights, with violations carrying prison sentences of up to six years.
Did You Know? The letter sent to Birgitta Tazelaar was dated Nov. 5, 2026, which was two days after the U.S. midterm elections.
Thirteen attorneys general argue Dutch measures violate sovereignty
The thirteen attorneys general argue that the Dutch measures violate Israeli sovereignty and infringe upon American commercial interests. They warn that state-level anti-boycott laws prohibit U.S. entities from doing business with organizations that boycott Israel, creating direct legal conflicts for European firms.
“Deze sancties zullen niet alleen Israël, maar ook de Verenigde Staten treffen,” said Bird in a statement, asserting that the trade restrictions affect both nations.
Bird further claimed that the policy aligns with militant groups. “Door te proberen Israëls vermogen te raken om internationale handel te drijven, scharen het VK en Nederland zich aan de beleidsdoelstellingen van anti-Israëlische en anti-Amerikaanse terroristische groepen zoals Hamas en Hezbollah,” the letter says.
Dutch embassy responds as political leadership shifts
The Dutch embassy in Washington said that officials had not yet officially received the letter when inquiries were made. A spokesperson said that the government would issue a response after reviewing the text.
Questions about the Dutch trade ban letter
When was the letter sent to the Dutch ambassador?
The letter is dated Nov. 5, 2026, and was directed to Birgitta Tazelaar in Washington.
Which states signed the letter?
The signatories are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and South Carolina.
What penalties apply under the Dutch trade ban?
The national trade ban on goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied territories carries penalties of up to six years in prison for violations.