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Belgium joins a growing list of nations that have expressed support for Palestinian statehood, particularly in the aftermath of continued violence in Gaza.
Netanyahu is already facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes (Reuters Image)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticised Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever following Belgium’s recent decision to move forward with the recognition of Palestine as an independent state.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Netanyahu referred to De Wever as “a weak leader who seeks to appease Islamic terrorism by sacrificing Israel.” The statement came just a day after Belgium announced its intention to support Palestinian statehood at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.
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Netanyahu further condemned the move, saying of De Wever, “He wants to feed the terrorist crocodile before it devours Belgium. Israel will won’t go along and will continue to defend itself.”
Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot confirmed earlier this week that the country will formally back Palestinian statehood at the UN meeting scheduled to take place in New York from September 9 to 23. He also stated that Belgium would impose “firm sanctions” on Israel in response to its ongoing military campaign in Gaza. However, the recognition will reportedly be conditional on Hamas releasing all remaining Israeli hostages abducted during the October 7, 2023, attack.
Netanyahu’s outburst against Belgium mirrors similar remarks he made just days earlier against Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. After Canberra signalled its intent to recognise a Palestinian state, Netanyahu labelled Albanese “a weak politician.” However, Albanese refrained from retaliating with personal criticism, stating he would respond diplomatically, as he would with any other prime minister.
Belgium joins a growing list of nations that have expressed support for Palestinian statehood, particularly in the aftermath of continued violence in Gaza. French President Emmanuel Macron, in July, declared that France would also move toward recognition. Netanyahu, already facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, lashed out at Macron as well, accusing him of “rewarding Hamas” and “fuelling antisemitism.”
International calls for recognition of Palestine have intensified amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel continues its military offensive in the enclave, with Netanyahu previously claiming the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would allow civilians to evacuate before fully capturing the territory. However, many residents and humanitarian organisations have resisted leaving.
The growing international momentum to recognise Palestine is widely seen as an attempt to pressure Israel to halt its Gaza operations and re-engage in a political solution.
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