Belgium is set to recognize the state of Palestine during the upcoming U.N. General Assembly, as announced by Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot. In addition to this recognition, Belgium plans to impose sanctions on Israel in response to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Conditions for Recognition
Prévot clarified that the formal recognition of Palestine will be contingent upon Hamas releasing all remaining Israeli hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack, and that the militant group must cease its role in governing Palestine. This condition underscores Belgium’s commitment to a peaceful resolution and the necessity of responsible governance for future diplomatic recognition.
Sanctions Against Israel
In the meantime, Belgium will implement “firm sanctions” against the Israeli government. These measures will include a prohibition on the importation of goods from illegal settlements, a reassessment of public procurement policies involving Israeli companies, and limitations on consular services provided to Belgians residing in illegal settlements.
Furthermore, Prévot indicated that two Israeli ministers, along with certain “violent settlers” and Hamas leaders, will be designated as “persona non grata” within Belgium. Although he did not specify their identities, it is anticipated that the ministers in question are Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, both of whom have faced sanctions from other nations, including the United Kingdom, for allegedly inciting violence against Palestinians.
“This is not about sanctioning the Israeli people but about ensuring that their government respects international and humanitarian law and taking action to try to change the situation on the ground,” Prévot stated.
Following remarks from French President Emmanuel Macron, who announced France’s intention to recognize a Palestinian state at the same U.N. meeting scheduled for September 9 to 23 in New York, more than a dozen Western countries have expressed similar intentions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized these moves, arguing they fuel antisemitism and provide rewards for Hamas’s terrorism while penalizing its victims.
In his statement early Tuesday, Prévot reaffirmed Belgium’s dedication to advocating for European measures aimed at targeting Hamas while also supporting initiatives to combat antisemitism within Belgium. He emphasized the need for a mobilization of security services and engagement with representatives of Jewish communities in this effort.
Additionally, Prévot expressed his support for the European Union’s suspension of its association agreement with Israel. The European Commission had suggested suspending certain aspects of the agreement concerning research and development, determining that Israel had violated its human rights commitments under the deal. However, the proposal has faced opposition, notably from Germany, stalling its implementation.
Prévot and his centrist party, Les Engagés, had previously warned of a blockade on government operations if their coalition partners, consisting of Flemish nationalists and liberals, continued to obstruct their efforts to adopt a more assertive stance against Israel. Since then, the Belgian government has convened multiple crisis meetings to address the ongoing deadlock.