Belgium announced on Friday that it has imposed a ban on the export and transit of weapons to Israel, citing concerns that such arms could be used in the Palestinian territories and contribute to further escalation in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, according to local media reports.
Belgian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Audrey Jagi said the decision was enacted through a royal decree that also prohibits the landing or transit of aircraft carrying military equipment destined for Israel. She stressed that the Belgian government’s decision is fully aligned with international law and Belgium’s legal obligations.
In previous remarks, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said that Belgium has significantly strengthened its measures against Israel in recent months. These measures include sanctions against what he described as extremist Israeli officials, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, as well as restrictions on Belgian citizens residing in what Belgium considers illegal settlements.
Prévot also confirmed the implementation of a ban on military aviation transit and the transfer of weapons, alongside other political and legal actions aimed at increasing pressure on Israel.
In addition, Belgium has formally requested to join South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip. The court, the highest judicial body of the United Nations, confirmed that Belgium submitted its request under Article 63 of the court’s statute, signaling its intention to support international legal efforts to hold Israel accountable for alleged violations.
Belgium’s decision marks one of the strongest stances taken by a European Union member state against Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza and rising tensions across the occupied Palestinian territories.
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