Netanyahu calls Belgian PM ‘weak’ over Palestinian state move; signals Gaza war to continue in video message

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday slammed Belgian leader Bart De Wever as “weak” after Brussels announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN later this month. In a statement posted on X, Netanyahu’s office accused De Wever of “appeasing Islamic terrorism by sacrificing Israel”.

“He wants to feed the terrorist crocodile before it devours Belgium,” Netanyahu said of de Wever in a post on X. “Israel won’t go along and will continue to defend itself.”

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He had also termed Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as “a weak politician” after Canberra said it would recognise a Palestinian state.

Earlier today, Netanyahu said that the war in Gaza would “continue” until the hostages return home. He said that Israel had destroyed the “Iranian axis, both in Gaza, both in Lebanon, both with the Assad regime that collapsed, with Iran itself, and now against the Houthis.”

In a video message, he stated that the country cannot forget the “horrors of October 7″ and lauded the soldiers for defending Israel. He said, ” Dear reserve soldiers, you are the strength that holds Israel. You left work, studies, and home to defend the people of Israel. Thanks to you, we have achieved great accomplishments: we broke the Iranian axis, both in Gaza, both in Lebanon, both with the Assad regime that collapsed, with Iran itself, and now against the Houthis. But the mission is still not complete. We have not forgotten the horrors of October 7, we have not forgotten the hostages, and we will continue until they return home. I salute you, appreciate you, and promise: the entire people of Israel stands behind you. With the help of God, we will bring complete victory to the State of Israel.”

Belgium would recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) later this month, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot had announced.

“Palestine will be recognised by Belgium at the UN session! And firm sanctions will be imposed against the Israeli government,” Prevot, who is also the deputy prime minister, had written on the social media platform X early on Tuesday.

Earlier on Tuesday, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy criticized Israel for “refusing to allow in sufficient aid,” saying UK officials are working to evacuate critically ill and injured children from Gaza for treatment in British hospitals, AP reported. He announced an additional $20 million in medical aid for Gaza and the wider region, calling Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian assistance “outrageous.”