Minister reportedly scrapped Brussels trip over fears arrest warrant could be issued

28 January 2025, 4:10 am

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Amichai Chikli, minister of Diaspora affairs and social equality, arrives for the weekly cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on May 14, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli scrapped a planned trip to the European Parliament in Brussels over concerns that pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel groups would seek a warrant for his arrest, the Kan public broadcaster reports.

The Prime Minister’s Office released a statement saying the trip was cancelled “in light of concrete warnings, and in accordance with the guidance of security officials,” though the broadcaster says its inquiries with Shin Bet sources established that there were no such concrete threats against Chikli.

According to the report, Belgian officials relayed to Israel that Chikli would not enjoy diplomatic immunity during his time in Belgium, as he would not be there on an official visit to the country.