The Israeli authorities have summoned a Belgian diplomat following the arrest of two Israeli soldiers at the music festival Tomorrowland. The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the summons to Knack magazine., reports 24brussels.
On July 20, federal police detained two members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during the internationally renowned festival. The arrests followed a formal complaint submitted by the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) and the Hind Rajab Foundation, an initiative led by activist Dyab Abou Jahjah. The organizations accuse the soldiers of involvement in alleged war crimes committed in the Gaza Strip.
The incident gained significant attention in the Israeli media. One of the soldiers, reportedly a member of the Givati Brigade — a unit previously linked to controversial operations in Gaza — told Channel 12, a major Israeli broadcaster, that they had been assaulted during their arrest. “We were struck in the face,” the soldier claimed.
In response, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned a Belgian diplomat for an official explanation. While Belgium’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the meeting occurred, it has declined to comment on its content.
Heightened diplomatic tensions
The arrests come amid heightened diplomatic tensions. Belgium recently joined around 27 other nations in signing a declaration calling for an immediate end to hostilities in Gaza. Ahead of Belgium’s National Day, King Philippe described the situation in Gaza as “a disgrace to humanity” in a televised speech, supported by Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
On Sunday, Israel also summoned the French diplomatic envoy following French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of plans to recognize a Palestinian state. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, calling it “a reward for terrorism.”
