Authorities in Belgium have deployed military forces in major cities to strengthen security for Jewish communities and sites linked to Israel, following a series of serious antisemitic incidents.
According to reports, soldiers have been stationed in Brussels and Antwerp, with plans to extend the measures to Liège.
The move comes after an explosion at a synagogue in Liège earlier this month, which authorities classified as an antisemitic attack. Similar incidents have also been reported in the Netherlands, including an arson attack on a synagogue in Rotterdam and an explosion at a Jewish school in Amsterdam.
Belgium’s Defense Minister, Theo Francken, justified the deployment by stressing that security is a fundamental right.
“Starting today, we are returning soldiers to the streets of Brussels and Antwerp, because security is a basic right. I say no to antisemitism,” he said.
The operation is being carried out in coordination with federal police and includes guarding Jewish community institutions such as synagogues and schools.
Meanwhile, Dutch authorities have arrested five suspects aged between 17 and 19 in connection with the Rotterdam synagogue attack.
Officials say the deployment will be implemented in phases, beginning with Brussels and Antwerp before expanding to other cities.
International human rights organizations have raised concerns over the rising threats faced by Jewish communities globally, amid escalating tensions linked to the broader conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
