Former Belgian Defense Minister Andre Flahaut has compared the fate of Arabs in Israel to that of Jews under the Nazi regime. He told a pro-Arab gathering, "During the twelve years and half I was minister, I left no stone unturned so that the atrocities against the Jews during WWII be remembered and not forgotten. I also ask that one have the same commitment, the same determination to make that the voice of those who suffer today is heard and to avoid banalization [sic]. I am determined to fight against all exclusions, all Nazisms, all fascisms wherever they are."

The Belgian Jewish umbrella group CCOJB urged him to retract his remarks. Flahaut claimed his comments were not anti-Semitic and that he made them after a Jewish representative heckled him. "I answered that I am in favor of dialogue and that I have always been determined to fight all forms of violence, racism and extremism. My speech remained general and balanced. I never questioned any state," he said.