Belgium to try and convince EU to ban “made in Israel” from occupied Palestinian territories

Brussels – Ban Israeli products from the occupied Palestinian territories: The Belgian presidency of the EU Council is trying to lead what would be an unprecedented response at the EU level against its partner in the Middle East region. The prime minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo, speaking to Belgian-Flemish media, reveals how he is working to convince EU member states to cancel “made in Israel” imports, with dates, wine, and olive oil in the crosshairs.

De Croo points the finger at the Israeli governement’s response to the October 7 attacks. After 35,000 deaths among the Palestinian population and violence escalating not only in the Gaza Strip but also in the West Bank, “it is difficult for European countries to say that we will continue to act as if nothing is happening,” the Belgian prime minister argues. Belgium, which supported South Africa’s case against Israel brought at the International Court of Justice in The Hague on charges of genocide, would like a firm and decisive response; it knows that unilateral action would have “no effect” and so seeks to compact the twenty-seven countries.

Having a unanimous consensus on a decision to sanction Israel is arduous, and the Belgian presidency’s goal is to have “at least a large group of countries that are willing to take this step.” De Croo expresses confidence. “Several countries are open to our reasoning,” he argues. He is trying to go further, starting with this group of countries, which he does not name. “We are trying to go beyond that group of countries that think the same way; I think it is logical to try to convince other countries.”

Government reasons also explain De Croo’s stance. Within the coalition, the Ecolo, Groen (Francophone and Flemish Greens), Vooruit (Flemish Socialists), and CD&V (Flemish Christian Democrats) parties had already called for a stop to the purchase of Israeli products from the occupied Palestinian territories, but the Francophone Liberals (MR) stopped this request. A request that did not fall on deaf ears, and now the Belgian premier is taking a chance.