Belgium Tests International Law as Israeli Soldiers Questioned at Tomorrowland

By Citizen of Europe Staff | Updated July 28, 2025

BOOM, Belgium — In a precedent-setting legal move that could ripple through diplomatic circles across Europe, Belgian authorities briefly detained and questioned two Israeli nationals attending the Tomorrowland music festival earlier this month. The individuals, alleged to be affiliated with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), were interrogated in connection to war crime complaints filed under Belgium’s universal jurisdiction law.

Table of Contents

Universal Jurisdiction in Action

Belgium’s legal action stems from provisions in its universal jurisdiction statute, which allow Belgian courts to investigate and prosecute serious violations of international humanitarian law—such as war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity—regardless of where the crimes occurred or the nationality of the accused.

According to a spokesperson from the Federal Prosecutor’s Office, the detentions were not arrests but “preliminary interviews” based on legal complaints filed by the Hind Rajab Foundation and the UK-based Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) . The complaints allege the individuals had direct or command responsibility in incidents during the 2024–2025 Gaza military operations, including the unlawful targeting of civilians and the use of human shields.

No formal charges have been filed, and the individuals were released shortly thereafter.

How Were the Israeli Nationals Identified as Suspects?

Belgian authorities initiated questioning based on formal complaints filed by NGOs such as the Hind Rajab Foundation and the UK-based Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) . These complaints were supported by publicly available evidence, including social media posts, photos, and videos suggesting alleged involvement in violations of international humanitarian law during the 2024–2025 Gaza conflict.

Prosecutors assess whether the allegations meet legal thresholds under international law — notably the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute — and if the individuals are physically present in Belgium, which is required under Belgium’s universal jurisdiction framework.

Upon verification of sufficient credible evidence and presence, authorities conduct preliminary interviews to determine the next steps in the investigation. This questioning does not imply guilt but is a formal step towards possible prosecution or dismissal.

Israeli and Belgian Reactions

Israeli officials have contested the legitimacy of the complaints, calling them politically motivated. A spokesperson for Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “These actions are part of a broader campaign to criminalize Israeli self-defense. The individuals in question were on private holiday and are not under active investigation by any legitimate court.” ( Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs )

The European Jewish Association (EJA) issued a formal statement denouncing Belgium’s actions as politically motivated and damaging:

“These soldiers were carrying out their lawful duties in defence of their country … duties comparable to those of any soldier serving in a democratic nation.”
“Once again, we are witnessing a troubling double standard … Why is it always Israel that is singled out?” ( European Jewish Association )

EJA further warned that legitimizing the handiwork of individuals known for their open support of Hezbollah undermines judicial credibility and emboldens extremist actors.

Legal Ground and Precedent

Belgium’s universal jurisdiction law has a controversial history. It was revised in 2003 after multiple politically charged cases—some involving U.S. and Israeli officials—sparked diplomatic friction. The current framework restricts jurisdiction to cases where the accused is physically present on Belgian territory, as was the case during Tomorrowland.

While Belgian authorities have not confirmed the rank or role of the individuals, human rights lawyers argue the threshold for initiating an inquiry is met if credible allegations are supported by public evidence. GLAN reportedly submitted photographic and metadata-supported social media evidence as part of their filing.

The principle of universal jurisdiction is supported by foundational international legal instruments such as the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court , which Belgium ratified.

Beyond Tomorrowland: More Cases Emerging

The Tomorrowland incident is not isolated. Belgian prosecutors are also reportedly investigating a dual Belgian-Israeli citizen serving in Israel’s elite “Refaim” sniper unit. Separately, a coalition of NGOs is calling for the revocation of diplomatic credentials for Colonel Moshe Tetro, Israel’s defense attaché in Brussels, citing alleged involvement in Gaza’s siege and starvation tactics.

Meanwhile, a Flemish court recently ordered a suspension of military transit exports to Israel through the Port of Antwerp, citing concerns over end-use compliance under the EU Common Position on Arms Exports ( 2008/944/CFSP ).