A proposal to cease arms deliveries to Israel, even for defense against rocket attacks, was approved by over 83 percent of members at the joint GroenLinks-PvdA congress on Saturday, igniting strong emotions and division within the left-wing merged party. The decision led to tears from prominent PvdA figure Gerdi Verbeet and the resignation of former alderman Reshma Roopram, who was booed while expressing her opposition.

The atmosphere at the congress was described as grim, with opponents of the stricter stance on Israel facing jeers and silencing attempts. Moderator Ineke van Gent had to repeatedly call for restraint to ensure everyone felt safe. Despite the tension, Member of Parliament Kati Piri, who introduced the motion, acknowledged the emotions while urging calm.

Party leader Frans Timmermans expressed satisfaction with the overwhelming support for a tougher stance against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, advocating for a temporary halt to arms supplies to force negotiations. He also acknowledged the pain and sorrow caused, especially within the Jewish community in the Netherlands, whose argument centers on the protection of innocent citizens by the Israeli air defense system. Timmermans emphasized the importance of internal discussion and unity, urging members to “hold on to each other.”

While the majority celebrated the decision as a victory, particularly among young people hoping for electoral gains, some expressed concerns about the potential impact on broader voter appeal. Nassreddin Taibi, 23, believes the motion resonates with many and could attract new voters to GroenLinks-PvdA. Arnold van Kalken, a long-time GroenLinks member, acknowledged the risk of alienating centrist voters but emphasized the importance of honesty and staying true to the party’s values. Timmermans dismissed concerns about potential coalition challenges with parties like the VVD, asserting that the party’s stance is driven by a concern for peace and humanity.