Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever has firmly contested accusations of antisemitism levied by U.S. Ambassador to Belgium, Bill White. This criticism arose after White reacted to a recommendation from an Antwerp prosecutor suggesting the prosecution of two Jewish men linked to allegations of illegal circumcisions.
Several Belgian lawmakers have voiced their disapproval of White’s interference in domestic matters, asserting that such comments are unwarranted. In an interview with VRT News, De Wever stated,
“Belgium is not an antisemitic state, this is nonsense.”
He further remarked, “A diplomat must decide how he fulfills his task, but I think this does not contribute much.”
Ambassador’s comments and Belgium’s judicial autonomy
On the same day, White described the Antwerp prosecutor’s recommendation to prosecute the two mohalim as “shameful,” expressing concern that “Belgium will be thought of now as antisemitic by the world. Until this is resolved – there is no way around it.” He added on X, “The Trump Administration condemns this judicial action and also condemns the political inaction by the Belgium Government to find a solution with the beautiful Jewish communities here in Belgium.”
De Wever, who leads the center-right New Flemish Alliance, defended the prosecutor’s decision, emphasizing the need to balance religious practices with legal standards. “Circumcision is essential for the Jewish faith and Islam, but so are the quality standards of our legislation. You have to reconcile the two,” he stated, adding, “What you shouldn’t do is create a whole societal controversy around it with harsh statements about antisemitism. That contributes nothing at all.”
Reactions from Belgian officials
Belgium’s centrist Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot labeled White’s remarks as “inappropriate” and questioned the legitimacy of such interference: “Would you consider it acceptable for our ambassador in Washington to do the same?” Prévot underscored the independence of Belgium’s judiciary, reinforcing De Wever’s position that “legislation obviously stands above any religion and above any worldview or ideology.”
Former Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo, now serving as a member of the European Parliament for the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats, also criticized White’s involvement. He stated,
“Your interference in Belgian affairs and your statements are unacceptable.”
Di Rupo indicated that had such remarks been made during his time in office, he would have declared White persona non grata.
In light of the ongoing tensions, De Wever was asked whether White should be summoned again for his comments. He replied, “I think our foreign minister has given a response.”
Bill White, who was appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump in December 2024, is known as a significant donor to Trump’s presidential campaign.