Belgian Intelligence Links Iran to Anti-Jewish Attacks in Liege and Antwerp

Belgian authorities have directly linked anti-Semitic attacks on Jewish sites in Liege and Antwerp to Iran for the first time. Gert Vercauteren, director of the Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis (OCAD), stated that the perpetrators of these attacks "undoubtedly" acted on Tehran's orders to strike Jewish targets globally. The incidents in question occurred in March 2026. On March 9, an improvised explosive device detonated near the Great Synagogue in Liege, damaging its windows and doors but causing no casualties. A few days later, a car was set on fire in the Jewish quarter of Antwerp. Belgian authorities classified both events as anti-Semitic terrorist attacks. A previously unknown group, the Islamic Movement of the Righteous Companions (Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia), claimed responsibility at the time. According to the American Jewish Committee, attacks linked to this group include the Liege synagogue bombing, a synagogue arson in Rotterdam, and assaults on Jewish sites in Amsterdam and London. OCAD itself had reported in March an increased focus on threats from Iran-affiliated networks. The Belgian counter-terrorism agency has now confirmed these attacks are part of a coordinated campaign by Tehran, not isolated acts of vandalism. Vercauteren noted that the two non-fatal March attacks are a reason why Belgium's threat level remains at 3 out of 4. He emphasized that further Iran-inspired attacks in the country were prevented, partly due to arrests, including one organizer in Turkey. Following the Liege explosion, Belgian authorities enhanced security for Jewish institutions. On March 23, the Ministry of Defense launched Operation "Green Shield," deploying military personnel to protect Jewish buildings and institutions. Brussels and Antwerp were among the first cities to receive increased protection, with Liege also considered for expansion.