BRUSSELS — Belgium has deployed military personnel to help secure Jewish institutions following a recent synagogue attack and rising antisemitic threats, government officials said.

Defense Minister Theo Francken and Interior Minister Bernard Quintin said soldiers will be stationed at synagogues, schools and other community sites to support police operations.

To protect our Jewish community, we are deploying military personnel to support security on our streets. The safety of every citizen must be guaranteed.

Antisemitism and hatred against Jews will never be tolerated. We will stand firm against it, always.

— Theo Francken (@FranckenTheo) March 16, 2026

The move comes about a week after an explosion struck a synagogue in Liège, in an attack claimed by a group identifying itself as the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right. Authorities said the incident heightened concerns over the safety of Jewish communities.

Yesterday, I went to Liège to meet with local Jewish community leaders and to express my solidarity to the Jewish community.
I strongly condemn this antisemitic attack on Belgium’s Jewish community in the strongest possible terms. President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of State… pic.twitter.com/jcPq0bl2O1

— U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White (@USAmbToBelgium) March 10, 2026

Officials said the deployment is intended to ease pressure on police and provide an additional layer of protection. The government described the security situation as serious, citing a broader rise in antisemitic incidents.

Jewish organizations in Belgium welcomed the decision, saying it would improve security and provide reassurance to community members. The European Jewish Congress said safeguarding synagogues, schools and communal spaces is essential amid growing threats.

Some political figures, however, questioned the need for military involvement, arguing that policing responsibilities should remain with civilian authorities. Others said the decision reflects the scale of the current security concerns.

Belgium has previously used troops to guard public sites during periods of heightened threat, including after major terrorist attacks in Europe.