Dutch politician and leader of the Freedom Party Geert Wilders announced that he is planning a visit to Israel, including a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He announced this on the social network “Ex“ (X), BTA reports.
The visit, scheduled for the period from December 8 to 10, is the subject of criticism from the Dutch government. Foreign Minister Kaspar Veldkamp said the trip was "contrary to government policy", especially regarding visits to the occupied territories.
Context of the visit
Wilders, known for his right-wing views, plans to visit Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. However, according to his party member Raymond de Rhone, the visit will highlight his support for Israel at a time of heightened international tension.
“The world has gone mad,“ Wilders wrote in “Ex“ on the occasion of the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Netanyahu.
Imagine you lead a democratic nation heavily under attack, facing an existential threat.
Many of your people are slaughtered and raped and taken hostage by Islamic terrorists.
You defend your nation and people and rightfully try to eradicate the barbaric terrorists - who hide…— Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) November 22, 2024
In his post, Wilders drew an emotional parallel to the situation of democratic states facing terrorist threats and strongly defended Israel's actions in the conflict:
„Imagine leading a democratic state that is heavily attacked and facing an existential threat. Many of your people have been killed, raped and taken hostage by Islamic terrorists.
You are defending your nation and your people and rightly trying to root out the barbaric terrorists - who are hiding in hospitals and schools - to never let this happen again.
And instead of receiving international understanding and support, you are facing an arrest warrant.“
He concluded by saying:
“I am proud to soon meet my friend Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel.“
Political and international context
The ICC warrant against the Israeli prime minister has sparked a reaction from the Dutch cabinet, which has announced that it will comply with it, following its international obligations.
Wilders, however, has categorically opposed this approach. He believes that the international community does not understand the realities in the Middle East, and emphasizes his support for the Israeli government and policy.