sentences:  For some years he has taken an outspoken stance regarding the Middle East, resulting in a fierce criticism of the policies undertaken by the government of Israel with regard to the Palestinians.When in office, van Agt was a staunch supporter of Israel, but after he stepped down in 1982 he changed his mind.According to his own words an important turning point was a visit at the late nineties at Bethlehem University on the Israeli-occupied West Bank.