Belgium Bans Imports from Israeli Settlements in Occupied Palestinian Territories

Belgium's federal government has approved a ban on the import of goods produced in Israeli settlements located in the occupied Palestinian territories, becoming one of the latest European countries to take unilateral action on the issue.

The decision was announced after the government's final cabinet meeting before the summer recess and fulfills a commitment made last year amid growing international concern over the war in Gaza.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot had earlier urged the European Union to adopt a bloc-wide ban on settlement products, arguing that stronger collective measures were needed. However, EU member states remain divided, preventing a unified decision.

Belgium joins countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Ireland, which have recently introduced or approved similar restrictions on goods originating from Israeli settlements.

The move follows reports alleging that some agricultural products from Israeli settlements were mislabeled as Israeli-made before being exported to Europe.

The European Union remains Israel's largest trading partner, but discussions continue over whether the bloc should impose a union-wide ban, introduce licensing requirements, or apply higher tariffs on settlement goods.

Belgian officials say the measure is intended to align the country's trade policy with international law concerning Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories.

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