Belgium attributes a coordinated campaign of attacks against Jewish targets to Iran

The Belgian authorities are now establishing a direct link between Iran and several attacks that targeted Jewish interests in the country in March. Gert Vercauteren, director of the Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis (OCAM), stated that the perpetrators had "certainly" responded to a call from Iran to strike Jewish and Israeli interests around the world.

The first incident occurred on March 9, when an explosive device detonated in front of the Great Synagogue of Liège. The explosion notably damaged the main door and shattered windows, but did not cause any injuries. Several people were subsequently arrested as part of the investigation.

A few days later, a vehicle was set on fire in the Jewish quarter of Antwerp. Two teenagers were arrested following this suspected antisemitic attack. Once again, no victims were reported.

According to Vercauteren, these events should not be considered as isolated acts but rather as elements of a coordinated campaign. An individual suspected of having played a central role in coordinating attacks in Europe has since been arrested in Turkey.

The Belgian official indicated that other interventions by security services have also taken place and that no new attack attributed to this network has been recorded since.

The investigations extend beyond Belgian borders. Terrorist plots have also been identified in the Netherlands, including a plot targeting a synagogue in Heemstede. Several claim videos released after certain attacks in Europe have also been shared by groups described as being supportive of Iran.

The threat has led the Belgian authorities to strengthen the protection of several Jewish institutions. The national terrorist threat level remains set at 3 on a scale of 4, corresponding to a threat considered serious.