Belgian investigation into three Jewish men sparks diplomatic row with US

The Guardian World

by Jon Henley Europe correspondent

February 18, 2026

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. Continue reading...

Verticals

worldpolitics

Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/18/2026