Herzog Confronts Dutch PM Over Potential Suspension of Israel from EU Programs

A diplomatic clash erupted Monday between Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof after Schoof suggested that Israel could face suspension from the EU’s Horizon Europe research program over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

In a social media post, Schoof announced that he had convened an emergency meeting with senior Dutch officials to discuss “the catastrophic situation in Gaza” and called for immediate, unrestricted humanitarian aid to the enclave. He warned that if the EU determines Israel is violating humanitarian agreements, the Netherlands would back suspending Israel’s participation in Horizon Europe, a flagship EU research and innovation initiative. He also indicated that trade measures or national actions could follow.

Herzog responded sharply, accusing Schoof of misrepresenting the tone of their recent conversation.
“Sorry, Prime Minister, with all due respect this tweet does not reflect the spirit or the details of our phone call,” Herzog posted. “Nor does it reflect my crystal-clear position: it will be a huge mistake if the EU takes such steps, especially in light of Israel’s ongoing and upgraded humanitarian efforts.”

Herzog expressed particular frustration that Schoof made no mention of the Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. “I am especially saddened that the plight of our hostages and the demand for their immediate release are completely ignored,” he added.

A source familiar with the conversation told The Jerusalem Post that Schoof had described himself as “a true friend of Israel” but claimed that mounting public pressure in the Netherlands obligated him to support a limited suspension of Israel’s EU association agreements—specifically in areas of future cooperation. However, Schoof did not raise trade sanctions or full termination of Horizon participation during the call, despite implying such measures in his public remarks.

The European Commission is scheduled to meet Tuesday in Brussels to deliberate on Horizon Europe and other potential responses. Any suspension of Israel’s role in the program would represent a significant diplomatic escalation.

In a formal response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry criticized the EU proposal as “mistaken, regrettable, and unjustified,” warning that such steps would strengthen Hamas and undermine efforts to achieve both a ceasefire and the release of hostages. “At a time when Israel is fighting Hamas’s jihadist terrorism, any such decision only serves to strengthen Hamas,” the statement read.

Israel emphasized that it will work to ensure that the proposal is rejected by EU member states.

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