Belgium Deploys Military to Secure Jewish Sites After Explosion
Following a pre-dawn explosion at a synagogue in Liège, Belgium has dispatched military personnel to safeguard Jewish locations nationwide. This decision was announced on Monday as part of efforts to reinforce security in the wake of the incident.
The Defense Ministry is collaborating with federal police to enhance safety at synagogues, Jewish schools, and other community-related places. Officials referenced Article 111 of the Integrated Police Law, which enables the Federal Police Chief to request military assistance for police operations.
Interior Minister Bernard Quintin and Defense Minister Theo Franken stated that the military deployment would begin immediately, with police taking the lead on operational management, working closely alongside military personnel.
Franken emphasized the importance of protecting the Jewish community, asserting, “To protect the Jewish community, we are deploying military personnel to assist with street security. The safety of all citizens must be guaranteed. Anti-Semitism and hatred against Jews will never be tolerated. We will always stand firm against it.”
The explosion in Liège happened around 4 a.m. on March 9, damaging windows of nearby buildings but fortunately resulting in no injuries. Prime Minister Bad de Weber described the act as “an attack on our values and society,” committing to combat anti-Semitism throughout Belgium.
Quintin condemned the attack as despicable and indicated that security measures would be intensified in similar locations. Liège Mayor Willy Demeyer characterized the explosion as an act of anti-Semitism and cautioned against importing foreign conflicts into the city.
In response to the bombings, Georges-Louis Bouches, leader of the liberal centre-right Movement Reform Party, along with Antwerp’s mayor, Els van Doesburg, have officially requested armed security. Additionally, Belgium’s Coordination Committee for Jewish Organizations has called for a noticeable military presence in public areas.
