Holland Blocks Boycott of Israeli Banks

Dutch ambassador to Israel, Caspar Veldkamp, said Tuesday that Arab and Muslim countries, many of whom do not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, maintain rich economic ties with Israel, facilitated by Holland.

Israel Radio reported in Arabic that Muslim-majority countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia, in addition to several Persian Gulf nations, all trade quietly with Israel. Veldkamp added his government has acted to prevent Dutch banks from boycotting Israeli banks, and that the parliament in The Hague recently voted to strengthen economic and trade ties with Israel.

The report also noted that Wednesday, about 100 businesspeople, start-up entrepreneurs and business representatives will attend a bi-lateral Innovation Day. The exhibition will focus on medial innovations for senior citizens.