  We derive a confining $ q \bar{q}$ Bethe--Salpeter equation starting from the
same assumptions on the Wilson loop integral already adopted in the derivation
of a semirelativistic heavy quark potential. We show that, by standard
approximations, an effective meson squared mass operator can be obtained from
our BS kernel and that, from this, by ${1\over m^2}$ expansion, the
corresponding Wilson loop potential is recovered, spin--dependent and
velocity--dependent terms included. We also show, that, on the contrary,
neglecting spin--dependent terms, relativistic flux tube model is reproduced.
