Belgian government fails to reach agreement on Gaza

Belgium’s top ministers failed to reach agreement on the country’s position regarding Israel and Gaza during a core cabinet meeting on Wednesday. The issue will return to the agenda at another meeting on Monday, Budget minister Vincent Van Peteghem (CD&V) confirmed afterwards.

The debate was triggered after coalition partners Vooruit, CD&V and Les Engagés called for a tougher line against Israel, including sanctions and the recognition of a Palestinian state. MR and N-VA, however, remain more cautious. Prime minister Bart De Wever (N-VA) said on Tuesday that recognising Palestine without the right conditions would be “pointless and counterproductive.”

According to a memo seen by VRT, Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés) has proposed ten possible measures against Israel, while also urging a swift recognition of Palestine. On Monday, Prévot called Gaza a “crucial issue” for him and his party, warning of a government crisis if Belgium does not toughen its stance soon.

CD&V wants sanctions

Van Peteghem was the only minister to speak publicly after Wednesday’s meeting, which did not produce an agreement. “The situation in Gaza requires us to adjust Belgium’s position, and we must discuss this at the Belgian and European level,” he said. The CD&V minister reiterated his view that sanctions should be introduced, including an import ban on products from Israeli settlements and an entry ban for far-right Israeli ministers.

“We are reviewing the possible measures within the government,” he added. “There will be another meeting on Monday to examine what is possible and what must be done.”

The debate on Gaza is also raging in the Flemish government, where a separate meeting on the issue is scheduled for Friday.

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot talks to the press as he arrives for Wednesday's meeting in Brussels. © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM


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