Israeli ambassador to Belgium denies genocide while EU funds flow to Israeli defence sector
On the 600th day of the war in Gaza, Idit Rosenzweig-Abu, Israel’s ambassador to Belgium, denied accusations of genocide, describing the term as “emotionally charged” and not reflective of reality. These comments arise amid revelations by De Tijd that over €1.1 billion in EU research funding continues to be channelled to Israeli institutions, including the Ministry of Defence and defence firms, via the Horizon Europe programme.
Rosenzweig-Abu acknowledged the high civilian death toll in Gaza — estimated at between 20,000 and 30,000 — but insisted that this does not constitute proof of genocidal intent. “How can there be talk of genocide when we issue warnings before airstrikes, provide humanitarian aid, and are not at war with Palestinians in the West Bank?” she asked. She argued that the term 'genocide' is being misused to provoke emotional reactions rather than to provide an objective description of the situation.
Drawing comparisons with past European terrorist atacks, she posed a rhetorical question: "Would Europe have accepted a ceasefire with ISIS in exchange for a few years without attacks, while letting the group survive and strike again? Israel faces a similar dilemma with Hamas, which remains committed to the destruction of Israel.”
EU research funding
Despite mounting international criticism of Israel’s actions, Israeli entities continue to be major recipients of EU research funding. According to De Tijd, Israeli institutions - including the Ministry of Defence and companies such as Rafael Advanced Defense Systems - are involved in 921 projects funded by the Horizon programme, receiving a total of €1.11 billion in EU support.
One such project involves nearly €6 million of EU funding dedicated to securing underwater infrastructure, with direct participation from the Israeli Ministry of Defence and Rafael.
Belgian partners
A total of 223 EU-funded research projects involving Belgian universities, public institutions and companies and Israeli partners have received €230 million in funding. Despite growing pressure to cut ties, full disengagement is proving difficult.
The major beneficiaries include KU Leuven, UAntwerp, Imec, VITO, Sciensano and regional governments. Some, such as VUB, have withdrawn from certain projects, while companies like Agfa-Gevaert emphasise their limited involvement and the fact that projects were planned prior to the war.
© BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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