Belgium declared its intention to recognise a Palestinian state during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session, which is scheduled to commence on 9 September.
Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot confirmed the decision, positioning Belgium alongside other nations such as Australia, France, Canada, and the UK, all of which have recently made similar commitments.
This collective action is widely perceived as a strategic effort to increase pressure on the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to halt its military operations in Gaza and address the severe humanitarian crisis. Announcing the decision on social media, Prévot stated unequivocally:
“Palestine will be recognised by Belgium during the UN session! And firm sanctions are being imposed on the Israeli government.”
Alongside recognition, the Belgian government unveiled a comprehensive set of twelve national sanctions targeting Israel. Prévot emphasised that these measures are a direct response to the “humanitarian tragedy in Palestine” and actions perpetrated by Israel that are deemed to violate international law.
“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 clarified.
The detailed sanctions include a ban on importing products from Israeli settlements, a thorough review of public procurement policies concerning Israeli companies, and restrictions on consular assistance for Belgian nationals choosing to reside in illegal settlements.
Furthermore, the measures encompass potential judicial prosecutions, bans on overflights and transit, and the designation of two Israeli ministers—believed to be National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich—as “persona non-grata” in Belgium, alongside Hamas leaders and several violent settlers.
Prévot also indicated that Belgium would actively support initiatives at the European Union level to suspend broader cooperation with Israel. This could include pushing for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, alongside various research programmes and technical cooperation agreements.
The foreign minister framed Belgium’s recognition of Palestine as part of a joint initiative with France and Saudi Arabia, describing it as “a strong political and diplomatic gesture to preserve the chances of a two-state solution.” He added that Brussels would partake in the initiative to “mark the condemnation of Israel’s expansionist ambitions with its settlement programmes and military occupations.”
The measures will be formally enacted by royal decree, but only after the release of the last hostage held by Hamas in Gaza and the group’s complete removal from the Palestinian Authority.
