Belgium imposes arms trade embargo on Israel

Belgium has banned planes carrying weapons and military equipment to Israel from using the country's airspace or making technical stops, the Foreign Ministry confirmed to Anadolu Agency on Friday.

According to sources from the ministry, the measure came into effect on Thursday.

The decision, initiated by Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, requires the relevant parties to report to Belgian officials the transport details of flights carrying military equipment to Israel, the daily newspaper Le Soir reported.

This decision aims to prevent the transport of weapons and military goods to Israel, the newspaper said.

The decision also closes legal loopholes that previously allowed for "non-stop" transport, where cargo was not unloaded during technical stops.

Inspections will be carried out by customs authorities and the Federal Public Service for Mobility and Transport (SPF Transport).

In Belgium, arms export licenses fall under the authority of regional governments, while the transport and transit of arms is managed at the federal level, meaning that a federal embargo can effectively prevent the use of regional export licenses.

"Belgium has the obligation to do everything possible not to contribute to this situation... Belgium is ensuring that it respects its obligations under international law and is sending a clear signal at the European and international levels," Prevot has previously said on the issue.