Belgian Defense Minister Shows Support for Israel on October 7 Anniversary
Despite Belgium's critical stance toward Israel, key figures in the government, including Defense Minister Theo Francken, maintain strong support. Newly appointed Israeli Ambassador David Saranga recently presented his credentials to King Philippe.
Belgium is known as one of Israel's harshest critics within the European Union, having taken a series of measures against Israel since the October 7 massacre. These included declaring Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich persona non grata in September 2025, imposing restrictions on arms exports, and limiting services to Belgian citizens residing in settlements.
Voices of Support in the Belgian Government
However, alongside critical elements, Israel enjoys support among certain figures within the Belgian government. On the third anniversary of October 7, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken posted a three-word message on social media: "Am Yisrael Chai," accompanied by two blue-and-white hearts. To emphasize the statement's significance, the post was symbolically published at 6:29 AM—the exact time the Hamas assault began. Francken is known as a staunch politician who does not hide his support for Israel, having repeatedly criticized past Belgian governments for what he termed a hostile and unfair attitude toward a democratic nation.
Another prominent ally in the Belgian coalition is Georges-Louis Bouchez, president of the MR party, the second-largest in the coalition. Bouchez participated alongside Israeli Ambassador to Belgium David Saranga in a memorial event for the victims of October 7, delivering a resolute and uncompromising speech in support of Israel and the Jewish community. He explicitly highlighted Israel's full right to self-defense against terrorism and pointed directly to the threat posed by the Iranian regime.
Ambassador Saranga's Diplomatic Mission
Last week, on October 7, Israeli Ambassador David Saranga presented his credentials to King Philippe. Reflecting on the date's symbolism, Saranga wrote on X: > In Israel, pain and hope often share the same day, and so it is for me today. On the memorial day for the October 7 massacre, I present my credentials as Israel's ambassador to the King of Belgium. I enter the palace carrying the memory of the fallen and our determination to live, create, and prosper.
Upon assuming his role, Saranga published a series of artificial intelligence-generated videos introducing himself to the Belgian public in French, Flemish, and Arabic. In the clips, Saranga calls for an end to boycotts against Israel, addresses the country's war against radical Islam, and warns that the threat also exists on European soil in the form of dormant terror cells.