Foreign minister: 'Major crisis' looms if Belgium does not toughen stance on Israel
Belgium's Foreign minister, Maxime Prévot, told De Standaard on Monday that he does not rule out blocking major government decisions if parties continue to prevent him from taking a tougher stance on Israel and recognising Palestine.
His party, Les Engagés, along with the governing parties CD&V and Vooruit, wants to adopt a firmer position on Israel and recognise Palestine as a state. However, the N-VA and, in particular, the MR are standing firm.
"If the government does not take a tougher stance on human rights violations by the Israeli government or recognise Palestine, there is a risk of a major crisis"
Earlier, Sammy Mahdi, leader of CD&V, had also threatened to block government dossiers if Belgium did not toughen its stance. The fact that Prévot, who is also deputy prime minister, is considering doing the same, is putting further pressure on the government.
"If the government does not take a tougher stance on human rights violations by the Israeli government or recognise Palestine, there is a risk of a major crisis," Prévot told De Standaard.
Concrete proposals
"For me and my party, Gaza is indeed a crucial issue," he said. "We absolutely must find a solution within the government. It is unacceptable that the attitude of one person should jeopardise the reputation of the entire country," he said, referring to MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez.
On Wednesday, Prévot will present a memo containing "concrete proposals" to a meeting of prime minister Bart De Wever and his deputy prime ministers.
The proposals include recognising Palestine, banning Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, and prohibiting the import of goods from occupied territories, as well as the overflight and transit of weapons to Israel.
"I cannot imagine Belgium joining the small club of countries that do not recognise Palestine," Prévot said. "If we miss this boat, it will be disastrous for Belgium's international image."
Belgian Foreign minister Maxime Prévot © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS
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