Belgian Defense Minister Expresses Support for Israel

By איתמר אייכנר

Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba

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Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken posted a message of support for Israel on the anniversary of the October 7th attacks. This comes despite Belgium's generally critical stance and measures against Israel, such as declaring ministers persona non grata. The President of the MR Party, president of the MR Party, also voiced strong support for Israel's right to self-defense. Israeli Ambassador David Saranga presented his credentials on October 7th and has utilized AI in his diplomatic outreach to foster understanding and counter threats.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken publicly supported Israel with a "The People of Israel Live" message.
The President of the MR Party, president of Belgium's MR Party, affirmed Israel's right to self-defense.
The Belgian government previously declared ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich persona non grata.
Belgium has imposed restrictions on arms exports to Israel.
Israeli Ambassador David Saranga presented his credentials on October 7th.
Ambassador Saranga uses AI for diplomatic outreach in multiple languages.

Despite Belgium's often critical stance towards Israel within the European Union, including recent measures like declaring ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich persona non grata and imposing arms export restrictions, Israel enjoys surprising support from within the Belgian government. Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken posted on X, formerly Twitter, on the third anniversary of the October 7th attacks, "עם ישראל חי" (Am Yisrael Chai - The People of Israel Live), accompanied by blue and white hearts. The post was symbolically timed for 6:29 AM, the hour the Hamas attack began. Francken is known for his consistent and vocal support for Israel, having previously criticized Belgian governments for what he termed unfair and hostile treatment of a democratic state. He has condemned previous Belgian ministers for refusing to label Hamas a terrorist organization and for calling for boycotts of Israel.

Ambassador David Saranga, who presented his credentials to King Philippe on October 7th, marked the symbolic date by stating on X that he entered his role with the memory of the victims and Israel's determination to live, create, and thrive, asserting that enemies could not break the Israeli spirit. Saranga has pioneered the use of artificial intelligence in public diplomacy, releasing introductory videos in French, Flemish, and Arabic, calling for an end to boycotts against Israel and addressing the threat of radical Islam and dormant terror cells in Europe. He advocates for dialogue with moderate Muslim populations, emphasizing the shared responsibility of democratic nations to confront this challenge.