Belgian Consulate Denies Passport Renewal to Belgian-Israeli Woman Over Settlement Address
The Consulate General of Belgium in Jerusalem has refused to renew the passport of Annabel Herziger-Tanzer, a Belgian-Israeli citizen, because she resides in the Pisgat Ze'ev neighborhood of Jerusalem. This area is considered a settlement beyond the Green Line and is not recognized under international law, which Belgium adheres to. Herziger-Tanzer, the daughter of an Auschwitz survivor, expressed shock and disappointment at the decision, feeling it was a personal affront. The consulate informed her that she could appeal the decision within 60 days or provide a new address in a recognized locality to update her consular records. This decision follows a Belgian government policy from September 2025, which restricts consular services to citizens living in settlements, including passport renewals and marriage registrations.