Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp stepped down on Friday after the cabinet failed to agree on whether to impose sanctions on Israel, according to the Dutch news agency ANP.

No Agreement Within Cabinet

After a cabinet meeting, Veldkamp admitted the lack of unity in government left him powerless. “I see that I am insufficiently able to take meaningful additional measures to increase pressure on Israel,” he told ANP.

The cabinet had been split on how to respond to Israel’s ongoing military actions. At the same time, pressure was mounting both at home and abroad for stronger accountability.

Push for Sanctions Fails

Veldkamp had pressed for tougher steps, including possible sanctions against Israel. However, his proposals could not secure the support of his fellow ministers. He said the discussions were serious but faced resistance in repeated cabinet meetings.

“I feel constrained in setting the course I consider necessary as foreign minister,” he explained, adding that without consensus, he could not move forward.

Strain on Rutte’s Coalition

His resignation deepens the internal struggles of Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s coalition, which has long disagreed over Middle East policy. The political fallout highlights the difficulties the Dutch government faces in balancing international pressure and domestic divisions.

Previous Actions Against Israel

Last month, Veldkamp declared far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich “persona non grata” in the Netherlands. A day before his resignation, he also signaled he would push for stronger action, but later admitted he lacked the confidence to enforce meaningful measures in the near future.

Wider European Stance

The Netherlands also joined 20 other countries on Thursday in condemning Israel’s approval of a large settlement plan in the West Bank. The joint statement called the move “unacceptable and contrary to international law.”