Day: August 25, 2025

Brussels – Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés) is threatening to block government files if Belgium does not take stronger action toward recognizing Palestine. His memo includes proposals for bans, sanctions, and formal recognition of Palestinian statehood, amidst growing tensions within the federal government, reports 24brussels.

As highlighted by VRT News, Prévot is escalating the pressure regarding Belgium’s stance on Israel and Palestine. In an interview with De Standaard, he warned that he may obstruct government proceedings if there is no progress on recognizing Palestine and if the government fails to adopt a firmer position against Israel.

What will happen if Prévot pushes for Palestine recognition in Belgium?

Prévot is drafting a note with specific proposals for Prime Minister Bart De Wever and other deputy prime ministers. He endorses European sanctions targeting violent settlers, extremist Israeli figures, and Hamas leaders, as well as considering the suspension of the human rights clause in the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

“For me and my party, Gaza is indeed a crucial issue.”

Prévot stated in the interview with De Standaard.

The internal debate within the Belgian coalition regarding the Gaza conflict is intensifying. Les Engagés, CD&V, and Vooruit are pressing for a more robust approach towards Israel and advocating for recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state. In contrast, the N-VA and particularly the MR oppose this direction. Prévot emphasized that the situation in Gaza is of paramount concern for both him and his party.

“We absolutely must find a solution within the government. The attitude of one person cannot jeopardise the reputation of the entire country,”

Prévot remarked regarding MR chairman Georges-Louis Bouchez.

Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA) is scheduled to meet with his deputy prime ministers on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, to address this critical issue. During the meeting, Prévot will present his memo outlining concrete proposals that include recognizing Palestine, implementing a travel ban on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, banning goods from settlements in occupied territories, and prohibiting the transit of arms to Israel.

“I can’t imagine Belgium joining the small club of countries that don’t recognise Palestine,”

Prévot asserted.

“If we miss that boat, it will be detrimental to Belgium’s international image.”

Belgium has historically faced challenges regarding its position on Palestine. Following the 2014 Gaza conflict, the Belgian parliament deliberated on recognizing Palestine, inspired by similar moves in Sweden and symbolic votes in countries such as the UK, France, Spain, and Ireland. In December of that year, the Chamber of Representatives passed a resolution urging recognition “at the most appropriate moment,” yet the coalition led by Charles Michel (MR) refrained from taking further action amidst internal divisions.

A comparable scenario unfolded in May 2021 during another escalation in Gaza, when the parliament again expressed support for recognition, but the government delayed implementation, insisting on a coordinated European approach. At that time, centrist and left-leaning parties advocated for decisive action while the MR and N-VA opposed, citing the potential for diplomatic fallout with both Israel and the United States.