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U.S. Ambassador Sparks Diplomatic Row Over Antisemitism Claims

2/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Ambassador Bill White accused Belgium of antisemitism.
White demanded Belgium drop the investigation into three Jewish mohels performing circumcisions without medical qualifications.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot rebuked White's remarks as offensive and a violation of diplomatic norms.
The dispute illustrates a broader trend of confrontational diplomacy under the Trump administration, with other U.S. ambassadors engaging in public disputes with European officials.

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Story summary

U.S. Ambassador Bill White accused Belgium of antisemitism.
White demanded Belgium drop the investigation into three Jewish mohels performing circumcisions without medical qualifications.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot rebuked White's remarks as offensive and a violation of diplomatic norms.
The dispute illustrates a broader trend of confrontational diplomacy under the Trump administration, with other U.S. ambassadors engaging in public disputes with European officials.