Belgium Summons U.S. Ambassador Over Tweet Accusing Kingdom of Antisemitism

Belgium has summoned the U.S. ambassador, an unusually strong diplomatic move between close allies, after he accused the country of antisemitic prosecution of its Jewish community.

Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot sharply rejected the claim, calling it “dangerous disinformation.”

“Labeling Belgium as antisemitic is not just wrong, it’s dangerous disinformation that undermines the real fight against hatred,” Prévot posted on X.

He added that diplomats must respect Belgium’s institutions and judicial independence:

“Personal attacks against a Belgian minister and interference in judicial matters violate basic diplomatic norms.”

What Triggered the Diplomatic Clash?

Belgium’s national broadcaster VRT reported that authorities are investigating three men in Antwerp suspected of performing circumcisions without proper medical certification.

In response, U.S. Ambassador Bill White posted on X that the investigation amounted to:

“Unacceptable harassment of the Jewish community here in Antwerp and in Belgium.”

He said he planned to visit the three men involved and invited Belgium’s health minister to join him.

He further urged the government to legally ensure that Jewish mohels — trained officiants who perform religious circumcisions — can carry out their duties freely:

“Without this, a Jewish person cannot have a bar mitzvah, a Jewish wedding, or be buried in a Jewish cemetery.”

Belgium’s Response: Ritual Circumcision Is Legal — Under Conditions

Prévot emphasized that Belgium allows ritual circumcision, but only when performed by qualified doctors under strict health and safety rules.

He said he would not comment further because the investigation is ongoing.

📌 Background: Antwerp’s Jewish Community

Antwerp is home to one of Europe’s largest and most historic Orthodox Jewish communities, where religious circumcision is a core practice.

The ambassador’s remarks touched a sensitive area of governance involving:

• Religious freedom
• Child safety
• Medical regulation
• Diplomatic protocol

📝 SG News Summary

Belgium has pushed back firmly after the U.S. ambassador accused its authorities of antisemitic actions.
While Ambassador White defends the rights of the Jewish community, Belgium says the investigation is strictly about medical safety, not discrimination.

The diplomatic exchange highlights how religious practices, public health law, and international relations can collide — even between longtime allies.