Honorary Consul in Netherlands dismissed after 'Israel' criticism
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The Israeli embassy in the Netherlands dismissed honorary consul Benoit Wesly after he accused "Israel" of committing genocide in Gaza
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Palestinians carry a man injured while trying to reach a hujmanitarian aid convoy on the outskirts of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza on August 23, 2025. (AP)
The Israeli embassy in the Netherlands has dismissed its honorary consul in Maastricht, Benoit Wesly, after he accused "Israel" of starving Palestinians and committing genocide in Gaza during interviews with local media.
According to Israeli media, Wesly, a Jewish businessman from a family of Holocaust survivors, had been serving as honorary consul since 2009, with his appointment signed by then-president Shimon Peres. Embassy officials said he was urged to step down due to his advanced age and lack of activity, but his public remarks intensified the decision to remove him.
“Here is a man over 80 years old who is inactive and speaks out only against Israel,” one Israeli official said. “We received complaints for years from senior figures in the Jewish community about his remarks and decided to part ways with him.”
Wesly’s dismissal followed his outspoken criticism of "Israel’s" war on Gaza, which he said amounted to genocide. He also accused "Israel" of deliberately starving Palestinians, echoing concerns raised internationally over the humanitarian crisis caused by the aggression.
According to sources, Wesly’s public remarks in southern Dutch media angered many within the Jewish community and fueled discontent within pro-"Israel" circles in the Netherlands.
In addition to his criticism of "Israel’s" military actions, Wesly opposed including the relocation of the Dutch embassy to Jerusalem in coalition agreements during the formation of the new government. His stance further strained relations with the embassy and drew objections from pro-"Israel" organizations.
Reaction from Jewish leaders
Officials said Wesly’s statements, including his claim that there was no antisemitism in the Netherlands, “damaged bilateral relations” and provoked backlash from rabbis, Jewish and Christian leaders, and advocacy groups aligned with "Israel."
In response to his dismissal, Wesly said he was deeply hurt but stood firmly by his remarks.
“It was terrible pain, but tomorrow is a new day. I told the truth, I was not prepared to lie,” he said in an interview with Dutch media.
He added that his accusations were based on widely circulated images of Gaza that have triggered unprecedented criticism of "Israel," even among some of its closest Western allies. “According to the images, what Israel is doing borders on genocide,” Wesly stated.
“I respect the Israeli ambassador very much,” he continued. “But I always told the truth and always stood my ground. No one can take away what I did for the Jewish community and for Israel in particular.”
