A public dispute has escalated between the United States and Belgium after US Ambassador to Belgium Bill White publicly criticized Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke over the prosecution of three Jewish ritual circumcisers in Antwerp. Ambassador White accused Vandenbroucke of antisemitism in a lengthy social media post on Monday, February 16, 2026, calling for Belgium to legally permit the practice of brit milah.
Vandenbroucke responded sharply to White’s comments during a press conference in Paris on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, accusing the US government of launching an “ideological attack on our European social model, including our healthcare.” According to reports from VRT News, Vandenbroucke acknowledged the United States invests more in research and development, but attributed this to “private intermediaries reaping high margins.”
The dispute extends beyond healthcare policy and the circumcision case. Vandenbroucke further stated that the European Union must present a united front against the United States, citing potential future trade actions. “The European Union is a protective shield against bilateral intimidation. We should make this much clearer to our citizens,” he said.
Ambassador White’s criticism, reported by the Brussels Times, demanded that Vandenbroucke “drop” the “ridiculous and anti-Semitic” prosecution. He asserted that Belgium, as a “civilized country,” should allow Jewish families to practice their religious freedoms. The Washington Examiner reported White’s call for a “legal provision” to allow Jewish mohels to perform circumcisions.
The escalating tensions also involve Conner Rousseau, leader of the Vooruit party, according to Archyde. The initial exchange between White and Vandenbroucke occurred following earlier criticism from the Ambassador regarding Belgian politicians’ comments about former US President Donald Trump.
As of February 22, 2026, the Belgian government has not issued a further response to Ambassador White’s accusations and the prosecution of the three Jewish ritual circumcisers remains ongoing.
