Belgium Backs Away from ICC Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu, Citing “Realpolitik”
Brussels (Quds News Network)- Belgium has announced it will not comply with the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reported VRT. The decision marks a sharp reversal in Belgium’s stance on international justice.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever defended the move in a Thursday interview with VRT. He said Belgium would not arrest Netanyahu if he visited. “There is such a thing as realpolitik. Practical considerations prevail over ethical considerations,” he stated.
The ICC issued warrants for Netanyahu as he has been committing war crimes in Gaza. Despite the arrest warrant, Netanyahu is currently in Hungary for high-level meetings. Hungary, a close ally, has begun steps to withdraw from the ICC altogether.
De Wever said most European countries would also avoid arresting Netanyahu. “France wouldn’t, and I don’t think we would either,” he told VRT. He argued that enforcing the arrest is not feasible.
Belgium’s opposition parties reacted strongly. The Flemish Green party Groen accused De Wever of undermining international law. They also criticized him for not consulting the federal cabinet before making his statements.
On Friday, the federal government discussed the issue in an emergency cabinet meeting. Coalition partners CD&V, Vooruit, and Les Engagés all called the prime minister’s comments “problematic” and warned against weakening the rule of law.
The controversy comes as pressure grows on European governments to respond to the Gaza genocide. Over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israel since October 7, 2023. Most Israeli officials, including Netanyahu made public statements depicting genocidal intent.
