Belgium has begun deploying hundreds of soldiers to protect Jewish institutions across the country, as authorities move to prevent further antisemitic violence following a recent

attack.

Interior Minister Bernard Quintin said the government is acting decisively rather than waiting for another incident to result in injuries. “I don’t want to wait for that moment,” he stressed, underscoring the urgency behind the move.

The deployment, which started Monday evening, involves around 200 assigned to guard key locations including Jewish schools, a museum, and the Israeli embassy. The measures come in response to a March 9 explosion at a synagogue in Liège, which heightened fears within the Jewish community and prompted calls for stronger protection.

Speaking at an event at the Great Synagogue of Europe in Brussels, Quintin emphasized that the government has a duty to ensure safety and prevent further attacks. He said the initiative is designed not only to protect people but also to secure buildings that have increasingly become targets.

Defense Minister Theo Francken clarified that the military presence is intended to reinforce—not replace—the police. “The police remain the first responder,” he said, adding that additional support is necessary given the current threat level facing Jewish communities.

Under the plan, soldiers will work alongside federal police, helping secure sensitive sites, guard transport hubs, and assist in large-scale operations. Authorities say coordination between military and police forces is central to the strategy.

However, the decision has not been without controversy. Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden criticized the rollout, arguing it was implemented without sufficient consultation within the government.

Belgium has previously considered using military forces for domestic security, including plans to tackle drug-related crime. With this latest move, the government signals a broader willingness to deploy troops internally in response to evolving security threats. Photo by Fred Romero from Paris, France, Wikimedia commons.