Belgium rebukes US ambassador over ‘interference’ in circumcision probe
Belgium’s Foreign Ministry has formally reminded the US ambassador, Bill White, of the “role and limits” of a diplomat after he publicly criticised the Belgian government over an ongoing judicial investigation.
In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry said White had been reminded of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which sets out the duties and boundaries of ambassadors accredited to a host country. “Personal attacks on a member of the Belgian government and any interference in Belgium’s internal affairs are contrary to these basic diplomatic rules,” it said.
White was summoned after accusing Belgium of antisemitism in a post on X. His remarks followed a judicial investigation into religious circumcisions within Antwerp’s Jewish community, which he described as “ridiculous”. He also called Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke “very rude”.
The ambassador was received on Tuesday afternoon by Theodora Gentzis, head of the federal foreign affairs department, at the request of Foreign minister Maxime Prevot of Les Engages, who is currently abroad.
The ministry stressed the “fundamental importance” of the separation of powers in Belgium’s democracy, underlining that the investigation is being carried out by the judiciary, independent of the government.
While reaffirming that Belgium attaches great importance to its relationship with the United States, the statement said dialogue “must be based on respect for our institutions and our sovereignty”.
It also reiterated that Belgium “consistently and unequivocally condemns all forms of antisemitism and racism”, both at home and abroad. “This fight must be carried out together, by joining forces rather than sowing division. Unfounded accusations do not serve this goal. They weaken it.”
“This fight must be carried out together, by joining forces rather than sowing division”
The diplomatic dispute comes amid a parallel political row involving Michael Freilich of N-VA. He has acknowledged that, during a parliamentary mission to Washington, he raised the Antwerp circumcision case with American contacts and asked them to help think about possible legal solutions.
However, Freilich denies asking the US to put pressure on Belgium or to intervene in the judicial process. He says his aim was to seek a framework that respects both freedom of religion and high medical standards. Opposition parties, including the Greens, have called for an ethics inquiry to examine whether he overstepped his mandate by discussing an ongoing Belgian investigation abroad.
US ambassador to Belgium Bill White © BELGA PHOTO MARIUS BURGELMAN