Preserving Friendship Amid Changing Realities
A Conversation with the Israeli Ambassador to the Netherlands
As Israel marks 75 years of diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Modi Ephraim, Ambassador of Israel to the Netherlands, reflects on the strength of this longstanding partnership, the challenges of the current geopolitical climate, and his vision for the future of bilateral relations. In this exclusive Diplomat Magazine interview, Ambassador Ephraim speaks about the evolving Dutch position on Israel, antisemitism in Europe, and the need for constructive diplomacy rooted in shared democratic values.
Your Excellency, you recently expressed concern in De Telegraaf that the Netherlands had made a “historic mistake” by supporting a European investigation into Israel’s actions in Gaza. Could you elaborate on what you meant by this, and what consequences you foresee?
“It is true that I was disappointed, given that this initiative came from a friendly country that should understand Israel’s difficult position. I cherish the longstanding and warm bilateral relations and the support we received following the atrocities of October 7. The Netherlands immediately spoke out in support of Israel and did a lot to help the return of hostages from Gaza.”
You also remarked that the Netherlands has shifted from a discreet diplomatic partner to one that is more publicly critical. How has this change affected bilateral cooperation in areas such as security, innovation, and trade?
“The Netherlands and Israel have longstanding and warm ties, and this is reflected in the various forms of bilateral cooperation. I had the pleasure of welcoming several delegations from Israel, and several Dutch delegations have visited Israel as well. There are so many fields where the bilateral relations have a huge potential, including medical appliances, agro-tech, hydrogen and food security.”
Now that the previous Dutch government is no longer in office and a new coalition is forming, do you foresee an opportunity for Dutch-Israeli relations to reset or improve? What would you like to see from the new leadership?
“This year we marked 75 years of de jure recognition of Israel by the Netherlands. For more than 75 years, we have enjoyed the fruits of the warm friendship between our two countries. The support was also reflected when we organized an October 7 commemoration in Amsterdam, which Prime Minister Dick Schoof participated in.”
The Impact of Language and Rhetoric
The conflict in Gaza continues to generate strong opinions internationally. Some Dutch officials, including the mayor of Amsterdam, have used terms like “genocide” to describe Israel’s actions. You responded publicly to these comments—could you clarify how such rhetoric affects diplomatic engagement and perceptions of Israel?
“What we see is that such baseless rhetoric affects society. There is an unprecedented rise in antisemitism, with record numbers of incidents registered. I recall last year the opening of the national Holocaust Museum. President Herzog participated in the opening by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander. The museum serves as an important tool in educating new generations about the Shoah, to ensure we will never forget. However, the opening of the museum was overshadowed and over shouted by antisemitic mobs. Obscene slogans were shouted during the opening ceremony at participants. Children and Holocaust survivors had to endure insults and threats while authorities did nothing. Since then, the hate has only grown bolder. Fueled by inaction, it festers. Jewish students no longer feel safe on university campuses now dominated by hate-filled activists. Religious symbols are hidden out of fear. And in November, when we commemorated Kristallnacht, a pogrom unfolded on the streets of Amsterdam.”
Remembering October 7
What message would you like to convey to the Dutch public who may be critical of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, particularly in light of humanitarian concerns?
“They should not forget how this war started. Israel did not choose this war. On October 7, Israel was attacked by barbarian terrorists who raped, tortured and burned people. More than 1200 people were killed on that day. Hundreds of hostages were taken into the tunnels of Gaza, and to this day tens of hostages are held captive under unimaginable circumstances. We cannot rest until all the hostages are back home. Israel wants peace, as is shown by the success of the Abraham Accords in the region.”
As ambassador in the legal capital of the world, how do you balance Israel’s rejection of ICC jurisdiction with The Hague’s deep identification with international justice?
“There should be no manipulation in order to politicize the courts. If this is allowed, it will be a problem for the entire world, not only for Israel.”
Looking ahead, what are your diplomatic priorities for strengthening Israeli–Dutch relations in the next year? Are there new areas of collaboration you are seeking to promote despite recent political tensions?
“As mentioned before, there are various areas of collaboration that have potential for benefit for both Israel and the Netherlands. This also includes renewable energy and crisis management, as we saw during the COVID pandemic. I hope to soon see the resumption of more flights between the two countries to promote tourism both ways.”
Standing with the Jewish Community
With growing concerns about antisemitism in Europe, including in the Netherlands, what role do you see for your embassy in addressing the safety and inclusion of Jewish communities here?
“I consider myself not only ambassador of Israel, but also ambassador for the Jewish people. From the first day of my mission here, I have made it a priority to connect and work with the Jewish community. They serve as a bridge between our two countries. It is important that anyone and everyone can be themselves without fear. It is paramount that clear action is taken against any form of antisemitism. The Jewish community has a long and rich history in this beautiful country.”
What do you believe is most misunderstood about Israel’s position or actions in this current conflict, and how can diplomacy help bridge that gap in understanding?
“The Netherlands is a different environment, and this creates misunderstanding about the reality Israel finds itself in. The State of Israel is committed to the safety and security of its citizens. Our fight is not against the Palestinians, but against Hamas. Israel has to defend itself. We can never allow another October 7 to happen again.”
Demographic Shifts and Policy Challenges
The Netherlands has traditionally been a close partner of Israel and played a mediating role in the region, partly rooted in its historical responsibility after the Holocaust, in which over 100,000 Dutch Jews perished. However, the country’s demographics have changed significantly in recent decades, with a growing Muslim population that is more vocal in domestic and foreign policy debates. How do you perceive this shift affecting the Netherlands’ position towards Israel and the broader Middle East? And how should this be balanced with its historical relationship with the Jewish community and the State of Israel?
“It is important that decisions that are made by the Dutch government, are made in the interest of the Netherlands. It cannot be that radical minorities force changes in policy by praising Hamas. Israel and the Netherlands share the values of democracy. I am confident that the longstanding relations will continue to grow.”
At Diplomat Magazine, we thank H.E. Mr. Modi Ephraim for his time and openness in answering our questions. We remain a neutral platform and are not responsible for the content of ambassadorial statements. Our goal is to support open dialogue and thoughtful diplomacy by providing space for the voices of those who represent their nations in The Hague.
