First publication: The senior European leader stands alongside Judea and Samaria
After Holland banned imports from Judea and Samaria, Geert Wilders, the candidate for Prime Minister of the Netherlands, arrived in Israel - and opened the visit in Sha-Nur • Wilders declared: 'You will return to…
Assessment
A senior Dutch politician, Geert Wilders, is visiting the West Bank and publicly endorsing Israeli settlement there, directly countering the Netherlands' recent ban on imports from the area. His declaration that settlers should return to all of Samaria signals a significant political rift between a major European leader and his own government's policy. The visit and statements are likely to escalate diplomatic tensions between Israel and the Netherlands, and may influence far-right political dynamics in Europe. The key development to watch is whether Wilders' stance gains traction among other European leaders or remains an isolated position.