Belgium Links Iran to Coordinated Attacks on Jewish Targets

Belgian authorities have established a direct link between Iran and several attacks targeting Jewish interests in the country during March. Gert Vercauteren, director of the Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis (OCAM), stated that the perpetrators "certainly" responded to a call from Iran aimed at striking Jewish and Israeli interests worldwide. The first incident occurred on March 9, when an explosive device detonated in front of the Great Synagogue of Liège, damaging the main door and breaking windows without causing injuries. Several individuals were subsequently arrested.

A few days later, a vehicle was set on fire in the Jewish quarter of Antwerp, with two teenagers arrested for the suspected antisemitic attack. Again, no victims were reported. Vercauteren emphasized that these events should be viewed as part of a coordinated campaign, not isolated incidents. An individual suspected of playing a central role in coordinating attacks in Europe has been arrested in Turkey. Belgian security services have conducted further interventions, and no new attacks attributed to this network have been recorded since.

Investigations extend beyond Belgium's borders, with planned attacks also identified in the Netherlands, including a plot targeting a synagogue in Heemstede. Videos claiming responsibility for some European attacks were shared by groups reportedly favorable to Iran. In response to the threat, Belgian authorities have increased security for several Jewish institutions. The national terror threat level remains at 3 out of 4, indicating a serious threat.