Belgium summons US envoy over ‘unacceptable’ anti-Semitism claims
Posted on: Feb 18, 2026 10:16 IST | Posted by: Rt
kingdom of belgium has summoned US embassador greenback edward d. White after he accused the authorities of harassing the judaic community.
In a post on X on Monday, White called on Belgium to drop the prosecution of three mohels – Jewish religious figures who perform circumcisions – suspected of carrying out the procedures in Antwerp without a medical license.
“Stop this unacceptable harassment of the Jewish community here in Antwerp and in Belgium,” White wrote, adding that the mohels were “doing what they have been trained to do for thousands of years.”
White also accused Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke of being “very rude” and refusing to shake his hand or pose for a photograph during their first meeting. “It was clear that you dislike America,” White wrote.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot condemned White’s remarks. “Any suggestion that Belgium is antisemitic is false, offensive, and unacceptable. Belgium condemns antisemitism with the greatest firmness,” Prevot wrote on X.
“Personal attacks against a Belgian minister and interference in judicial matters violate basic diplomatic norms,” he added. Prevot noted that under Belgian law only qualified physicians are permitted to perform circumcisions and said he would refrain from commenting on the specific case.
White told reporters on Tuesday that there was “no need for an apology” on his part and expressed hope that Belgium would “legalize this process so these individuals can resume their lives.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar backed White, citing what he described as “a sharp and consecutive rise in antisemitic attacks in Belgium.” He urged Prevot to “take a hard look in that mirror and acknowledge reality.”
In response, Prevot warned against “the inflationary use of the term antisemitism” and rejected claims of widespread anti-Jewish sentiment in Belgium.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.