Israeli President Isaac Herzog attends a state ceremony for fallen Israeli soldiers whose burial place is unknown at Mount Herzl Military cemetery in Jerusalem on March 6, 2025. (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
Dutch PM Dick Schoof claimed he warned Israel over Gaza aid — but Israeli President Isaac Herzog says that’s not true.
By World Israel News Staff
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said he told Israeli President Isaac Herzog that the Netherlands plans to take action against Israel if it does not increase humanitarian aid to Gaza — triggering a sharp response from Herzog, who accused the Dutch leader of lying about their conversation.
In a post on X published Monday evening, Schoof claimed he had discussed the “catastrophic situation” in Gaza with Herzog, adding that he warned the Israeli leader the Netherlands would take action if Gazans are not granted “immediate, unfettered, safe access to humanitarian aid.”
Schoof wrote that during the conversation, he had threatened to support efforts to suspend Israel’s participation in a European Union research program, and floated the idea of ending trade ties with the Jewish state.
Herzog, a figurehead known for his diplomacy and calm demeanor, responded with uncharacteristic candor to Schoof’s tweet.
“Sorry Prime Minister, with all due respect — this tweet does not reflect the spirit and details of the call,” Herzog replied on his X account.
“Nor does it reflect my crystal clear position that it will be a HUGE mistake if EU takes such steps especially in light of Israel’s ongoing and upgraded humanitarian efforts,” he added.
“I am especially saddened that the plight of our hostages and the demand for their immediate release are not even mentioned!”
A source told the Jerusalem Post that Schoof’s characterization of tough talk during the phone call was false.
In reality, Schoof told Herzog that “he is a true friend of Israel” but is under immense public pressure to take a stand on the Gaza aid issue, the source told the Post.
According to the source, Schoof said “he has no choice [but to]… support the suspension of a small part of the EU-Israel Association Agreement” in order to appease his voters.
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