Row over use of soldiers on streets as Justice minister criticises decision

17 March 2026

Belgium’s Justice minister, Annelies Verlinden, has criticised a government decision to deploy soldiers to guard Jewish sites, saying it was taken without proper discussion.

Speaking on Tuesday, Verlinden said “everyone must look in the mirror” over how decisions are made, after learning that troops would be used to protect synagogues and Jewish schools. The move was announced by Interior minister Bernard Quintin and Defence minister Theo Francken.

The decision follows a recent attack in Liège and growing concerns about antisemitism. Soldiers will support police in guarding specific sites, using a legal provision that allows military assistance when police resources are stretched.

Soldiers to provide security for synagogues and Jewish schools in Belgium

The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the federal police, will be responsible for the security of sites linked to the Jewish community in...

belganewsagency.eu

According to VRT NWS, the plan covers four Jewish schools in Antwerp and 20 synagogues. More than 50 soldiers are expected to be deployed in mixed patrols with police “as long as needed”.

However, Verlinden said the measure had not been discussed within the full government and should be reviewed. She plans to raise the issue with ministers and police leadership.

The dispute highlights wider tensions within the coalition. Verlinden’s party, Flemish Christian democrats CD&V, has linked any broader use of troops on the streets - such as tackling drug-related violence - to action on prison overcrowding.

Belgium’s prisons are in a severe and worsening crisis. More than 640 inmates are now sleeping on floors, nearing the record set late last year. Since August 2025, over 600 additional prisoners have entered the system, while fewer than 200 extra places have been created.

Officials and unions warn that staff shortages and planned budget cuts are making the situation increasingly dangerous, for both prisoners and guards. Authorities also fear Belgium could face fines of hundreds of millions of euros due to poor prison conditions.

Verlinden said tackling overcrowding remained a top priority and stressed that any discussion on public security must include urgent prison reforms.

^{Justice minister Annelies Verlinden © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE}

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