Netanyahu’s Office Calls Belgian PM a ‘Weak Leader’ Over Palestinian Recognition Push

Tensions between Jerusalem and Brussels escalated on Wednesday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office sharply criticized Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, calling him a “weak leader” in response to Belgium’s declared intent to recognize a Palestinian state during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September.

“Belgian Prime Minister de Wever is a weak leader who seeks to appease Islamic terrorism by sacrificing Israel,” Netanyahu’s office posted on X. “He wants to feed the terrorist crocodile before it devours Belgium. Israel won’t go along and will continue to defend itself.”

The rebuke comes a day after Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot officially announced his country’s intent to join France, Canada, the United Kingdom, and others in granting unilateral recognition to “Palestine.” Belgium also unveiled 12 punitive measures against Israel, including economic restrictions and a diplomatic review of Israeli partnerships. Prevot claimed the moves were necessary to prevent “any risk of genocide.”

He emphasized that the sanctions were not aimed at the Israeli people but rather designed to pressure the Israeli government to comply with international law. “Any antisemitism or glorification of terrorism by Hamas supporters will also be more strongly condemned,” he added.

The recognition is expected to form part of a coordinated initiative between France and Saudi Arabia, designed to promote what they describe as preserving the viability of a two-state solution. French President Emmanuel Macron announced France’s intention to recognize a Palestinian state in a social media post in July. Since then, multiple European countries have expressed interest in following suit at the UN General Assembly in September.

Israel has firmly rejected such moves, arguing that unilateral recognition rewards terrorism and undermines any genuine path toward peace. The Netanyahu government views these initiatives as diplomatic appeasement that only emboldens radical groups like Hamas and weakens Western resolve against global terrorism.

As Israel continues its military campaign to dismantle Hamas following the October 7 massacre, it has faced mounting international pressure. Yet leaders in Jerusalem maintain that true peace and security can only be achieved by defeating terror, not accommodating it through symbolic gestures.

Israel’s stance remains clear: national defense is non-negotiable, and the security of its citizens will not be sacrificed on the altar of international expediency. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on Israel’s global diplomacy and defense efforts.