Valerie Van Peel, the chair of the N-VA party, has stated there is no connection between N-VA Chamber member Michael Freilich and U.S. Ambassador Bill White, following a diplomatic incident sparked by comments made by Vooruit party leader Conner Rousseau and concerns raised about ritual circumcisions in Antwerp.
The dispute escalated after Ambassador White publicly demanded an apology from Rousseau for a video comparing former U.S. President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler, and reportedly threatened a U.S. Travel ban. White likewise raised concerns regarding an investigation into three Jewish ritual circumcisers in Antwerp, characterizing it as antisemitism. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot has dismissed White’s accusations as “incorrect, insulting and unacceptable,” according to reports.
Van Peel’s comments, reported by multiple Belgian news outlets, directly address speculation linking Freilich to the unfolding diplomatic tensions. “That does not exist. The two have never spoken,” Van Peel stated, according to MSN.be. This denial comes amid criticism directed at Freilich by some parties, which Van Peel characterizes as “pure speculation in the press,” as reported by VRT.
The Belgian government, according to Van Peel, fully supports its position in the conflict with Ambassador White. “Foreign ambassadors have nothing to say about our legislation,” she asserted, as reported by Sudinfo.be. This stance underscores a firm defense of Belgian sovereignty in the face of perceived external interference in domestic legal matters. The core of the disagreement centers on differing views regarding the legal requirements for individuals performing circumcisions.
Ambassador White reportedly expressed support for legislative changes that would allow individuals without recognized medical qualifications to perform circumcisions. Ivan De Vadder, a political commentator, noted that White was reminded of the Vienna Convention during a meeting with Belgian Foreign Affairs officials, which outlines the boundaries of diplomatic conduct and the possibility of being declared persona non grata. De Vadder suggested this may explain a shift in White’s tone following the meeting, as reported by VRT.
Freilich himself has denied any lobbying efforts related to the diplomatic dispute, stating, “I never asked to set pressure [on anyone],” according to Nieuwsblad. The situation remains unresolved, with no immediate indication of a resolution to the disagreement between the Belgian government and Ambassador White.
