Opposition seeks clarity on Gaza agreement as questions raised over FIT’s role
Belgium’s opposition parties have demanded that prime minister Bart De Wever personally clarify the government’s position on Gaza in Parliament, as debate also intensifies over the role of Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) in Israel.
During Tuesday's Foreign Affairs Committee meeting, MPs debated conflicting interpretations of the cabinet agreement, with MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez and Foreign minister Maxime Prévot of Les Engagés providing contrasting accounts.
Opposition members insisted that only De Wever, of N-VA, could provide definitive clarity, given that he is set to represent Belgium at the United Nations in New York.
Committee chair Els Van Hoof of CD&V said that she had written to both Prévot and De Wever to request their attendance, and said that she would renew the request. While some, such as N-VA MP Kathleen Depoorter, said Prévot could adequately explain the agreement, others stressed the need for the prime minister to address parliament directly.
Meanwhile, in the Flemish parliament, minister president Matthias Diependaele (N-VA) said that, despite restrictions on FIT, the agency would continue to support companies seeking business opportunities in Israel.
While FIT's Tel Aviv office will no longer actively promote trade with Israel, firms requesting support will still be helped, he said.
Crisis averted
This compromise drew criticism from left-wing and opposition parties. PVDA’s Jos D’Haese dismissed it as a "toothless" arrangement, while Vooruit argued that FIT staff should prioritise enforcing the import ban on goods from occupied territories instead.
Nadia Naji of Groen said the deal had averted a government crisis, but it lacked concrete action.
CD&V acknowledged that further steps would depend on Europe. Vlaams Belang welcomed the conditions attached to recognising a Palestinian state, while Open VLD expressed regret at what it saw as excessive restrictions.
© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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