Valerie Van Peel: “Belgium is truly doing all it can right now”

The federal government has finally reached an agreement on Belgium’s position in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In an interview with VTM Nieuws, N-VA chair Valérie Van Peel defended the compromise. “Now it’s time to put pressure on the European level and bring other countries on board,” she said.

According to her, the core message is clear: Belgium recognizes the Palestinians’ right to self-determination, but that recognition comes with strict conditions. “It’s crucial not to make the mistake of handing the keys to a terrorist organisation,” Van Peel stressed. Hamas must disappear from the scene, and free elections in Gaza are essential.

Belgium taking the lead in Europe

Van Peel considers the symbolic recognition of Palestine less important than concrete economic sanctions. “The real impact lies at the European level. Belgium fully supports the suspension of the EU-Israel trade agreement. That involves serious amounts of money. We want to take the lead in Europe: we must apply pressure at the EU level to get other countries to follow. Only then will there be real impact,” she explained.

Responding to criticism that the sanctions are half-hearted, Van Peel remained pragmatic. Belgium imports very little from the occupied territories, she admitted, but that doesn’t lessen the power of the message. “This is the maximum we can do as a country. The next step is to increase pressure at the European level. Meanwhile, we continue to invest in humanitarian aid—and in that area, we are among the strongest contributors. These are the actions that truly make a difference today.”

Political games

She also rejected allegations in the studio about new arms orders from Israeli companies. “I find it appalling that false information is being spread about this. It shows how this issue is sometimes used as a political game instead of genuinely helping the Palestinians,” she said sharply.

Finally, she emphasized that her goal is to govern, not to fuel conflict. “We needed an agreement—and now we have one. Everything else is just noise. It doesn’t help anyone. Least of all the Palestinians.”