Belgium deploys soldiers to protect Jewish sites and combat crime

“That’s why we are taking these measures. We have to ensure the security of these specific places for the Jewish community. We must do everything we can to prevent attacks on people and also to stop all the attacks … [on Jewish] buildings,” he added. “Our job is to protect everybody.”

As for whether soldiers will do a better job of providing security than police, Belgium’s Defense Minister Theo Francken told POLITICO: “They are not replacing anything — this is in addition to the police force. The police force remains the first responder … and has the responsibility for the public domain in Belgium. But we have to do more because there are threats to the Jewish community.”

Speaking on the sidelines of the same event, Francken added that he would address the rules of engagement for the soldiers in parliament next week.

Belgium previously debated deploying troops to combat drug crime last year, and will move ahead with the plan in the coming weeks.

A defense ministry spokesperson said Belgium’s federal police are coordinating the deployment of both soldiers and police officers. Soldiers are expected to help guard train stations and support police in large-scale coordinated operations.

The decision to deploy troops was not supported by all government members. Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden criticized the move last week and said it had been taken without proper consultation.