David van Weel

David Martijn van Weel (born 4 August 1976) is a Dutch diplomat, civil servant and military veteran, currently serving as Minister of Justice and Security in the Schoof cabinet.

Career
Van Weel started his career with the Royal Netherlands Navy, where after graduating from the Naval Academy (1994–1999) he served on a number of different frigates, including with the British Royal Navy as an exchange officer. He worked as a Staff Officer for Middle and Eastern European countries in the Defence Staff and ended his term at the Navy as a Primarily Warfare Officer and Navigation Officer. Van Weel holds a degree in history.

Van Weel joined the Netherlands Ministry of Defence in 2004. He worked as a senior policy officer for operations in Afghanistan and Libya, and he coordinated policy on NATO, nuclear policy and disarmament, special operations, as well as the preparation of the Dutch defence budget. He later served as Chief of Cabinet for the Minister of Defence and the Permanent Secretary (2012–2014) and as Director for International Affairs and Operations/Policy Director (2014 2016).

Starting in 2016, Van Weel served as advisor on foreign affairs and defence to Prime Minister Mark Rutte. In 2020, he became Assistant Secretary General for Innovation, Cyber defence and Hybrid threats of NATO, under Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Broadcaster NOS noted that Van Weel had more frequent public appearances following the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

After the PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB formed the Schoof cabinet, Van Weel was sworn in as Minister of Justice and Security on 2 July 2024, succeeding Dilan Yeşilgöz. He is serving on behalf of the conservative-liberal People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD).