NOS News•
The attack by the US and Israel on Iran divides Dutch politics and also the coalition parties. This became apparent during the debate in the House of Representatives about the war in the Middle East. The government’s position is that our country “understands” the military action by the US and Israel, but does not support it.
The debate showed that D66, VVD and CDA all explain that position in their own way. D66 faction leader Paternotte said that he understands “that you want to get rid of the murderous regime in Iran”, but that he has no understanding whatsoever of how things are going now. He believes this is an attack without a plan and an unclear goal, and also contrary to international law.
Opposition parties, both left and right, concluded that D66 deviates from the cabinet and coalition partners, who clearly have more understanding of the military intervention. But Paternotte sees at most “tonal differences”. He says he can defend the government’s response.
Not involved in war
His VVD colleague Brekelmans wanted to make it clear that there can be no doubt that his party is “on the side of the US and Israel”, but he does not want to express support for the attacks. Right-wing parties such as the PVV and the SGP wanted clarification from him about this.
“The word ‘support’ would imply that we want to be involved in this,” Brekelmans said. “Then the next question is of course whether we will also provide military support.” He therefore thinks the word ‘concept’ is more appropriate. SGP leader Stoffer called on the VVD to at least ‘morally support’ the actions. Brekelmans then said that he had shown his moral support by saying that he is on the side of the US and Israel.
The CDA also understands the attacks, but faction leader Bontenbal does make critical comments about the strategy of the US and Israel. “The citizens of Iran did not ask for a criminal regime, but neither did they ask for an uncertain war,” he said. According to him, the actions of the US and Israel “violate” international law.
Bontenbal wants the government to urge the EU to enter into consultation with the Americans about what exactly is the purpose of the attacks and what the exit strategy is. “The world would be better off without this regime. But that does not mean that every military step against this regime is automatically sensible, sustainable or lawful.”
‘Heroic act’
PVV, JA21, BBB, Groep Markuszower, SGP and Mona Keijzer fully support the attack on Iran. “What a heroic act,” said PVV leader Wilders about the liquidation of spiritual leader Khamenei and the elimination of a large part of the Iranian war machine.
Yet it is not entirely clear to him what the US and Israel ultimately plan to do in Iran. “Let’s hope that more thought has been given to this than we currently think.”
Keep your back straight
Left-wing parties believe that the Netherlands should distance itself much more from the actions of the Americans and Israelis. “Anyone who thinks for one second that Trump and Netanyahu are concerned about the Iranians is wrong,” said GroenLinks-PvdA leader Klaver.
He fears that the Netherlands will be drawn into a war, such as the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Western countries also wanted to get rid of the regime in that country, but eventually a civil war broke out and a flow of refugees started.
According to Klaver, the current war is also not in the interests of the Netherlands. The exploding oil price makes Russia a lot of money, and because of the conflict in Iran, fewer Patriot missiles are available for the defense of Ukraine. “Keep your back straight, don’t follow Donald Trump and Bibi Netanyahu,” he called on the cabinet.
The cabinet will speak this afternoon. Prime Minister Jetten and Ministers Berendsen of Foreign Affairs and Yesilgöz of Defense will respond to the MPs’ questions.
