Belgian authorities allegedly detained and then released two Israeli soldiers attending Tomorrowland after receiving a complaint.
It’s been one thing after another for Tomorrowland this year. Following a Mainstage fire last Wednesday and a fatality on night one, it has now come to light that two Israeli soldiers attending the Boom, Belgium festival were briefly detained by local authorities.
The two unnamed Israeli citizens had allegedly been waving flags associated with the Givati Brigade, a troop associated with historic IDF operations including the recent Gaza war. Some local reports indicate that they were arrested for public order concerns — but according to The Guardian, prosecutors said that they received legal complaints involving “serious violations of international humanitarian law” in Gaza.
Two organizations critical of Israel took responsibility for these complaints: the Hind Rajab Foundation and Global Legal Action Network. “For the first time in Europe, Israeli suspects linked to Gaza crimes were subjected to formal arrest and interrogation,” reads a statement by the former group.
According to Belgian broadcaster RTBF, a 2024 amendment to the Belgian Code of Criminal Procedure grants the federal prosecutor authority to make such arrests. Authorities noted that they briefly detained and questioned the men before releasing them. They did not provide additional information on the incidents.
Tomorrowland has taken place annually since 2005, when it was a single-day event that drew 10,000 revelers. Fast forward to the present day, and it bills more than 600 DJs across two whole weekends, routinely drawing roughly 400,000 attendees in total. The lineup for this year’s edition includes headliners like Sara Landry, John Summit, Charlotte De Witte, and Anyma.
The second weekend of Tomorrowland 2025 runs from July 25-27 at the De Schorre venue. For set times, travel suggestions, and more information, read our essential info guide.