Belgian Intelligence Links Iran to Coordinated Attacks on Jewish Targets

Belgian intelligence services have officially established a link between attacks on Jewish sites in Liege and Antwerp and Iran, identifying a coordinated campaign by Tehran rather than isolated vandalism. The revelations, reported by Brusselstimes, stem from investigations into incidents in March 2026. On March 9, an improvised explosive device detonated near the Great Synagogue in Liege, causing damage but no casualties. A few days later, a car was set on fire in the Jewish quarter of Antwerp. Both incidents were classified as antisemitic terrorist attacks.

The previously unknown group "Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia" claimed responsibility for the attacks. According to the American Jewish Committee, this group is also linked to a bombing at a synagogue in Rotterdam and assaults on Jewish targets in Amsterdam and London.

Belgian intelligence confirmed that the perpetrators acted on direct orders from Tehran to strike Jewish targets globally. These March attacks, though without fatalities, are cited as a reason for Belgium maintaining its threat level at 3 out of 4. Subsequent attacks were thwarted, partly due to arrests, including one organizer apprehended in Turkey.

Following the Liege incident, Belgian authorities significantly increased security around Jewish institutions. On March 23, the Belgian Ministry of Defense launched Operation Green Shield, deploying military personnel to guard synagogues and other Jewish buildings, initially in Brussels and Antwerp, with Liege also considered for expanded protection.