Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevost told the newspaper “Standard“ today that he does not rule out the possibility of blocking significant government decisions if some parties in the ruling coalition continue to prevent him from taking a more categorical position on Israel and recognizing the Palestinian state, the Belgian news agency Belga reported, quoted by BTA.
His party – “The Committed“, as well as the “Christian Democrats and Flemish“ and the “Foreuit“ parties in the ruling coalition, want a more categorical position on Israel and the recognition of Palestine as a state. At the same time, the “New Flemish Alliance“ and the Reform Movement are against it.
“If the government does not take a more assertive stance on human rights violations by the Israeli government or does not recognize Palestine, there is a risk of a major crisis“, Prevost said.
Earlier, the leader of the “Christian Democrats and Flemish“ Sami Mahdi threatened to block the government's activities if Belgium did not strengthen its position. The fact that Prevost, who is also deputy prime minister, is considering the same action increases the pressure on the government.
“For me and my party, Gaza is a really important issue. We absolutely have to find a solution within the government. "It is unacceptable that the attitude of one person endangers the reputation of the entire country," the foreign minister said, referring to the chairman of the Reform Movement, Georges-Louis Boucher.
On Wednesday, Prevost will present a position with "firm proposals" during a meeting with Prime Minister Bart de Wever and deputy prime ministers.
The proposals include recognizing Palestine, banning Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, and banning the import of goods from the occupied territories, as well as the overflight and transit of weapons to Israel.
"I cannot imagine Belgium joining the small club of countries that do not recognize Palestine. If we miss this opportunity, it will be disastrous for Belgium's international image," Prevost concluded.