Brussels, Belgium – A diplomatic dispute between Belgium and the United States is escalating following unusually direct criticism from the US Ambassador to Belgium, Bill White, regarding a local investigation into the practice of circumcision. White has publicly accused Belgian officials of antisemitism, prompting a sharp rebuke from the Belgian Foreign Minister and raising questions about the appropriate conduct of diplomatic representatives.
The controversy centers on an investigation in Antwerp into three mohels, or ritual circumcisers, suspected of performing circumcisions without the required medical qualifications. Circumcision is legal in Belgium, but must be carried out by a trained medical professional under specific conditions. Belgian authorities initiated the inquiry following concerns about the practice being performed outside of established medical protocols.
On Monday, Ambassador White took to social media to demand that Belgium drop what he termed a “ridiculous” and “antisemitic” investigation, calling for an end to the “unacceptable harassment” and “disgusting” treatment of the three men. He also urged Belgium to improve its efforts to combat antisemitism. , White publicly criticized Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke as “very rude” and demanded he cease the investigation.
The response from Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot was swift and forceful. Prévot accused White of violating “fundamental diplomatic norms” and firmly rejected any suggestion that Belgium harbors antisemitic sentiments, calling such claims “false, offensive, and unacceptable.” Prévot’s statement underscores the sensitivity surrounding the issue and the potential for significant damage to bilateral relations.
Ambassador White was summoned to the Belgian Foreign Ministry on and, according to reports, refused to apologize for his comments. He reportedly suggested that Belgium either change its laws regarding circumcision or acknowledge that the investigation is motivated by antisemitism. This defiance has further inflamed tensions and raised concerns about a potential breakdown in diplomatic protocol.
The appointment of Bill White as US Ambassador to Belgium in itself drew some attention. Prior to his diplomatic role, White served as president of the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum and the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. He was nominated by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate in . He is described as a staunch ally of the President, a characteristic shared by many of Trump’s ambassadorial appointments.
The current dispute extends beyond a simple disagreement over legal procedures. As noted by observers, it highlights a fundamental difference in constitutional perspectives. According to analysis, the US Constitution grants significant latitude to ambassadors as the personal representatives of the President, allowing them to convey the Executive branch’s message directly. This contrasts with the expectation in some diplomatic circles that ambassadors should exercise restraint and respect local sensitivities.
The controversy also touches upon Belgium’s complex historical reckoning with its role during World War II. Recent reports have revealed details about the Belgian railway company NMBS’s involvement in transporting Jewish people to Nazi death camps during the Holocaust, receiving payment for each person transported. This historical context adds another layer of sensitivity to the current accusations of antisemitism, as it raises questions about Belgium’s historical responsibility and its commitment to confronting its past.
The implications of this diplomatic row extend beyond Belgium and the United States. It comes at a time of increasing global concern about rising antisemitism and the protection of religious freedoms. The US stance on the issue could influence other countries’ approaches to similar legal and ethical dilemmas surrounding religious practices. The incident raises broader questions about the role of ambassadors in the modern era and the boundaries of diplomatic intervention in domestic affairs.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming days. The Belgian government has not yet announced any retaliatory measures, but officials have indicated they are considering their options. The US State Department has offered limited public comment, reiterating its commitment to combating antisemitism globally but stopping short of endorsing Ambassador White’s specific accusations.
The case also draws attention to a parallel situation involving a different US ambassador. Reports indicate that Ambassador White’s actions are part of a pattern of assertive behavior by US ambassadors appointed by President Trump, who have been known to utilize social media to directly address and criticize host countries. This approach has raised concerns among some diplomatic observers about the potential for destabilizing international relations.
