Approximately 13,000 individuals holding Belgian passports remain in Israel. While not all of them wish to return, the Belgian government is actively exploring options to facilitate their
repatriation. Before the week's end, a decision regarding potential repatriation flights is expected.
Although several commercial airlines still operate flights departing from Tel Aviv, the Belgian government is contemplating the need for additional flights to assist stranded citizens in returning to Belgium. Brussels Airlines is currently in discussions with the government on this matter.
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo expressed his condolences for the victims during a meeting with representatives of the Jewish community. "Our nation does not condone the acts of terror committed by Hamas," stated De Croo. "This is an act of barbarism, and I stand firmly against it."
De Croo emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining public safety and preventing the glorification of violence and incitement to hatred. Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne confirmed an attack on two Jewish individuals on Tuesday night, and CCTV footage was instrumental in identifying the assailants.
Heightened Police Presence
Members of the Jewish community have stressed their desire for a secure living environment in Belgium. In response, additional police officers have been deployed near schools and places of worship since Saturday. However, military personnel are not currently stationed on the streets. In the past, Belgium has deployed military forces to safeguard sites associated with the Jewish community, following a 2014 attack at the Jewish Museum of Brussels that resulted in four fatalities.
A memorial service in honor of the recent violence in Israel is scheduled to take place at the Great Synagogue in Brussels on Thursday evening at 20:00. Philippe Markiewicz, President of the Central Israelite Consistory of Belgium (CICB), has confirmed this event. Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadja Lahbib will be in attendance at the ceremony. Photo by OneArmedMan, Wikimedia commons.