Belgium signals a dramatic change in Israel’s policy

After almost eight months of political blocking and exhausting negotiations, Belgium is finally about to form a new government. The new coalition, made up of five parts, leans to the central right. Regarding Israel, this marks a real transformation. The previous government was one of the most hostile to Israel in Europe, but the new coalition agreement effectively establishes a neutral position in Jerusalem and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As part of the coalition agreement, the new Prime Minister Bart de Wever is expected to meet King Philippe of Belgium on Monday to receive his official appointment. On Tuesday, De Wever will present his program in Parliament and Thursday, legislators will vote on the advisability of approving the new government. Current estimates suggest that the coalition will guarantee the support of 81 of the 150 members of the Parliament.

The coalition consists of three Flemish parties and two Walloon parties, reflecting the national double structure of Belgium. The largest party in the new government is the new Flemish alliance in the center-right (N-VA).

One of the main challenges faced by the new government will be the economic crisis. The coalition agreement describes the plans to reduce public spending, to combat inflation and to stimulate economic growth. A central reform will focus on social benefits, including the reduction of allowances for migrants and asylum seekers. The government also intends to tighten immigration policies and set more strict criteria for financial aid. In terms of security, the government plans to increase the financing of the military and the police to combat the increase in crimes.

Prime Minister Bart de Wever, former mayor of Antwerp, is known for his close ties to the Jewish community. The change of position from Belgium to Israel and its Jewish community is explicitly described in the coalition agreement. The new government has promised that Belgium will not unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state; Such a decision will be aligned with European Union policy and will require a broad European consensus. In addition, Belgium will not support the trial in South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

Another important decision, which will probably be welcomed in Jerusalem, is Belgium’s decision to classify Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, prohibiting all links with the group, including its political wing. The coalition agreement also affirms the firm opposition of Belgium on the Iranian nuclear program.

In recent years, Belgium has become a home for pro-Palestinian movements, some of which openly supported Hamas. Under the previous government, there was a feeling that Brussels had neither the will nor the capacity to limit anti-Israeli incentive in public spaces.