Belgium Halts Air Transit of Weapons to Israel
Brussels, Belgium – The Belgian federal government has announced a ban on the transit of all weapons and military equipment destined for Israel through its airspace and airports. This decisive action, officially confirmed by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to prevent the flow of arms to the region.
Immediate Implementation and Strict Measures
The new policy, which came into effect last Thursday, prohibits any aircraft carrying weapons or military equipment for Israel from entering Belgian airspace or utilizing the country’s airports, whether for direct transport or technical stops. To ensure strict compliance, Belgian authorities have also mandated that air carriers provide comprehensive information regarding flights carrying military equipment, enabling precise monitoring and oversight.
Closing Loopholes and Enhanced Scrutiny
The initiative, spearheaded by Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, specifically addresses and eliminates previous legal ambiguities that allowed such shipments to pass through Belgium during technical stops, even without unloading. Under the updated regulations, the ban includes extensive customs inspections and mandates the active involvement of federal organizations in the flight monitoring process, guaranteeing that no weapons transit through Belgian territory.
A Clear Diplomatic Stance
This move underscores Belgium’s commitment to aligning its foreign policy with international agreements. By enacting this ban, Brussels seeks to prevent any potential role in exacerbating regional crises and to send an unambiguous message to the international community regarding its diplomatic stance on the matter.
