Netanyahu described Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever as a “weak leader” in a post on the “X” platform, accusing him of “seeking to appease terrorism” through this decision. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot announced that his country intends to recognize the State of Palestine during the General Assembly meetings scheduled for this month, affirming the imposition of “strict sanctions” on the Israeli government.
He continued: “Any anti-Semitism or glorification of terrorism by supporters will be condemned severely… Belgium recognizes Palestine as part of a joint initiative between France and Saudi Arabia.” He added: “The decision comes in light of the worsening humanitarian disaster unfolding in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip, and Israel’s ongoing violations of international law.”
The Belgian Foreign Minister confirmed that the sanctions include “a ban on importing products coming from Israeli settlements, reviewing government procurement policies from Israeli companies, restricting consular services for Belgian citizens residing in illegal settlements, the possibility of opening judicial investigations, and imposing restrictions on flights and transit, as well as on extremist Israeli figures, including two ministers and several violent settlers, in addition to leaders from the Hamas movement.”
He noted that Belgium will engage “strongly” in efforts to rebuild Palestine, alongside launching new initiatives to combat “anti-Semitism.”
