Belgium will deploy Defence and Federal Police forces to reinforce security at synagogues and Jewish schools following recent antisemitic attacks, with the operation coordinated by the police in close cooperation with the military. The number of soldiers involved has not yet been confirmed.
Interior Minister Bernard Quintin and Defence Minister Theo Francken announced the measure, stressing that it comes amid a worrying rise in antisemitism. Quintin pointed to the recent attack near the synagogue in Liège as clear evidence that the threat facing the Jewish community in Belgium is both serious and immediate. He underlined that ensuring the safety of all citizens is a fundamental duty of the state, irrespective of political considerations, adding that the deployment of military personnel will directly support police services in protecting vulnerable sites.
Francken emphasised that the move strengthens the capacity of law enforcement while demonstrating Defence’s readiness to assist in safeguarding public security during times of heightened risk. He noted that this cooperation will contribute concretely to the protection of the Jewish community.
The temporary directive is authorised under Article 111 of the law on integrated police, which allows the Federal Police’s commissioner-general to request military support for police operations. This is not without precedent: in 2015, under Operation “Vigilant Guardian”, soldiers were similarly deployed to protect sensitive sites, including those linked to the Jewish community, in response to elevated terrorism threats.
