A controversial call and government divisions
Matthias Diependele (N-VA) quickly announced that his government would appeal, which sparked the ire of her two ministers Vooruit, Caroline Gennez and Melissa Depraetere. However, the appeal was confirmed the next day, during an animated council of ministers, and by applying for additional legal advice.
This opinion is expected for this Saturday, July 26. He must clarify the exact scope of the judicial order. Matthias Diependele fears that the latter creates a precedent, an obligation to result from the government on the content of all the containers. “It is as if the federal government could be put in notice for each container containing drugs. This is obviously not how it goes,” according to Mr. Diependele.
“Flanders does not want to flee its responsibilities”
However, the government does not seek to flee its responsibilities, he assured. Flanders carries out a restrictive policy towards Israel for almost 20 years, he argues. Exports are therefore prohibited if the cargo can be used to “strengthen the military capacity of the Israeli armed forces or if there is a final military use in Israel or by Israel”.
The head of the Flemish government is irritated by the opposition criticism, who, according to him seeks to make believe that his government would have no problem exporting military equipment to Israel. “I regret that this image is created,” he said, speaking of a “political recovery”. “To say that we want to export military equipment to Israel at all costs is a lie. We share indignation. It is not only yours. It is incorrect and unfair,” added Mr. Diependele to Ms. Naji.
The opposition was not satisfied. For Jos d’Haese (PTB) and Gwendolyn Rutten (Open VLD), the restrictive policy which the government prevails only exists on paper, while in practice, “controls are a colander”, according to Mr. d’Haese. Nadia Naji repeated her request for a real arms embargo to Israel. “I have no doubt about your indignation, but I doubt your determination,” she said.
Faced with famine and chaos in Gaza, Belgium demands with 24 countries the immediate end of war
