Brussels: Belgium's foreign minister responded firmly to criticism from his Israeli counterpart regarding the prosecution of two Jewish men in Belgium accused of performing illegal circumcisions.

According to Anadolu Agency, Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot took to the social media platform X to address comments made by Israel's Gideon Saar, who had labeled the charges against the men as a "scarlet letter on Belgian society." Saar asserted that by pressing charges, Belgium had placed itself among a "short and shameful list" of countries prosecuting Jews for practicing their religion.

Prevot emphasized the autonomy of Belgium's judicial system, asserting it operates without political influence. He pointed out that the legal proceedings were initiated by members of the Jewish community itself, countering any notion that the charges were an attack on religious freedom. He called such portrayals defamatory.

Antwerp prosecutors confirmed on Wednesday that two mohels, who are specially trained Jewish circumcisers, would be referred to court over allegations of illegal circumcisions. These offenses are reportedly categorized as 'intentional assault or battery with premeditation against minors and the unlawful practice of medicine.' Although Belgium does not ban circumcision for non-medical reasons, it mandates the procedure must involve a doctor.

The investigation began following a complaint from within the local Jewish community. Prevot also proposed halting public discussions on the matter, suggesting to Saar that they address the issues in a meeting in Israel to prevent further misunderstandings.

In a separate post, Prevot urged the US Ambassador to Belgium, Bill White, to exercise restraint after White criticized the prosecution as a 'shameful stain.' Prevot remarked that it was inappropriate for an ambassador to publicly criticize a country's judicial process and advised against setting a precedent of ambassadors dictating government agendas.