THE GUARDIAN: US ambassador accused of interference after labelling inquiry into suspected illegal circumcisions ‘antisemitic’
A diplomatic row is escalating between Belgium and the US, with Donald Trump’s ambassador refusing to apologise for accusing his host country of antisemitism and reportedly threatening to bar a socialist politician from travelling to the US.
Bill White, a staunch ally of the president like many US ambassadors, on Monday demanded Belgium drop a “ridiculous” and “antisemitic” investigation into three Jewish men suspected of performing circumcisions without medical qualifications.
In a social media post, White demanded Belgium’s “very rude” socialist health minister, Frank Vandenbroucke, stop the “unacceptable harassment” and “disgusting” treatment of the three men. He also called on Belgium to do “a much better job” on antisemitism.
Circumcision is legal in Belgium but must be carried out under strict conditions by a medical professional. The investigation concerns three mohels, or ritual circumcisers, in Antwerp suspected of performing circumcisions without any medical training. » | Jon Henley | Europe correspondent | Wednesday, February 18, 2026
