As CDA, we have often taken a reserved stance in the past regarding criticism of Israel. This restraint did not stem from indifference, but from historical awareness. As Christian democrats, we are convinced that every person has the right to dignity and protection against danger. This protection and dignity apply to both Israelis and Palestinians. Group leader Henri Bontenbal and foreign spokesperson Derk Boswijk wrote the following opinion piece in Dagblad Trouw on April 29.

Israel has the right to defend itself, but that has limits

As CDA, we have often taken a reserved stance in the past regarding criticism of Israel. This restraint did not stem from indifference, but from historical awareness: Israel has been surrounded by enemies, repeatedly threatened in its existence, and was once again horrifically struck by terror on October 7. The attack by the terrorist organization Hamas was a brutal violation of everything civilization stands for. Israel has the right to defend itself.

But that right has limits. And where the right ends, our moral obligation to speak begins.

Where the right ends, our moral obligation to speak begins.

As Christian democrats, we are convinced that every person has the right to dignity and protection against danger. This protection and dignity apply to both Israelis and Palestinians. In recent months, the suffering among the Palestinian population has become unimaginable. Tens of thousands of people have been killed, millions have been displaced. The recent death of fifteen aid workers and the way it has been handled is not a tragic incident but a painful proof that the Netanyahu government is trampling on international law.

Hiding among civilians

The dilemma is heartbreaking. We also see that the terrorist organization Hamas deliberately abuses international law by hiding among civilians, thus undermining any attempt at peace. However, this does not exempt Israel from its obligation to adhere to international law. On the contrary, precisely because Israel claims to be a democratic rule of law, it has the duty in conflict with a terrorist organization like Hamas to show that it stands for international law.

Within Israel itself, discontent is growing over Prime Minister Netanyahus policies. Tens of thousands of Israelis are taking to the streets. They are rightly asking why their government is not doing everything it can to bring the hostages home. The current military operation seems not only disproportionate but also counterproductive both morally and strategically.

The Netherlands stands for international law. This means: being consistent, even when it is uncomfortable. Our solidarity with Israel must not be a blank check for silence about war crimes. It is precisely in Israels interest that the country does not drift further away from values such as democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights.

No selective outrage

Moreover, the inconsistent application of international law undermines our international legal system. This hypocrisy is grist for the mill for authoritarian and dictatorial regimes, which use such double standards to discredit the international legal order. We cannot rightly call out Russia for war crimes in Ukraine while remaining silent when it comes to Israel. International law must not be an instrument of selective outrage, but must remain our compass – always and everywhere.

For this reason, we have submitted or supported several proposals in recent months calling on the government to increase pressure on the Netanyahu government, with sanctions not being excluded. Under the guise of quiet diplomacy, these proposals have unfortunately all been discouraged by the cabinet and rejected by the coalition parties, thus having insufficient effect.

Therefore, we call on the cabinet to speak out more clearly. For the protection of innocent Palestinian civilians. For the release of hostages. For an immediate ceasefire. For seriously working towards a two-state solution. And above all: for the enforcement of international law as a compass for peace. Not only now in Gaza but always and everywhere.