Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has launched a blistering attack on Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, calling him “weak” after Belgium announced its plan to recognize a Palestinian state. Netanyahu accused De Wever of attempting to “appease Islamic terrorism by sacrificing Israel,” according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s office in Jerusalem.
The criticism comes amid a wave of Western countries signaling support for Palestinian statehood, including France, Britain, Canada, and Australia, in advance of the upcoming United Nations summit in New York. Israel has consistently opposed unilateral recognitions, arguing that they reward militant groups like Hamas for their attacks and undermine the prospects for negotiated peace.
“The Belgian leader wants to feed the terrorist crocodile before it devours Belgium,” the Israeli statement said, underlining Israel’s concern that international gestures of support for Palestine may embolden groups responsible for violent attacks. Netanyahu’s remarks mirror similar criticisms aimed at Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who faced backlash from Israel after announcing recognition of a Palestinian state and denying entry to a right-wing Israeli lawmaker.
The Palestinian Authority continues to pursue statehood in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. While European nations’ recognitions do not change the realities on the ground, Israeli officials maintain that such moves could legitimize terrorist groups and exacerbate tensions in the region.
As the UN General Assembly approaches, the rhetoric between Israel and pro-Palestinian nations is intensifying, highlighting deep divisions over the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Netanyahu’s comments signal that Israel will vigorously oppose any unilateral steps that it believes threaten its security or undermine its diplomatic standing.