Belgium shifts gears: Major policy overhaul on Israel and Hezbollah
After months of intense negotiations, Belgium is set to take a dramatic turn in its foreign policy - no unilateral Palestinian state recognition and Hezbollah labeled a terror group.


After nearly eight months of political deadlock and intense negotiations, Belgium is on the brink of forming a new government. The upcoming coalition, led by five parties, leans center-right and marks a dramatic shift in the country’s stance toward Israel and the Middle East. Under the new agreement, Belgium is set to adopt a neutral position on Jerusalem and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a stark contrast to the hostility exhibited by the previous administration, which was one of Israel’s most vocal European critics.
Incoming Prime Minister Bart De Wever is slated to meet King Philippe on Monday to receive his formal appointment, followed by a presentation of his agenda to Parliament on Tuesday. By Thursday, lawmakers will vote on the new government, with current projections indicating the coalition will secure the backing of 81 out of 150 members.
The coalition includes three Flemish parties and two Walloon parties, reflecting Belgium’s dual-national structure. At the forefront is the center-right New Flemish Alliance (N-VA), Belgium’s largest party. Among the new government’s immediate challenges will be addressing the ongoing economic crisis, with plans to cut public spending, combat inflation, and stimulate growth. The coalition has also promised to implement significant welfare reforms, including reducing allowances for migrants and asylum seekers, while tightening immigration policies.
Security is another priority for the new government, which plans to allocate additional funds to the military and police forces to tackle rising crime rates.
De Wever, a former mayor of Antwerp, is known for his strong ties with Belgium's Jewish community. The new coalition agreement explicitly emphasizes the shift in Belgium’s stance toward Israel. The government has pledged not to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state, insisting any such move will align with EU policy and require broad European consensus. Perhaps most notably, Belgium will designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, severing all ties, including with its political wing. Additionally, the government has affirmed its opposition to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, signaling a firm stance in support of Israel's security.
Israel Hayom contributed to this article.