Belgian defense company linked to Israel targeted in arson attack

A Belgian electronics company linked to Israel was targeted in an arson attack in the city of Liege, authorities said Tuesday, while Defense Minister Theo Francken accused the far left of involvement.

The fire broke out at around 3.40 am local time (0140GMT) Monday at the premises of Belgian Advanced Technology Systems (BATS), located in Liege, according to French-language public broadcaster RTBF.

The Liege public prosecutor's office said initial findings indicated that the fire had been deliberately started at three separate locations.

No injuries were reported.

A fire expert and forensic laboratory team conducted initial examinations at the scene, while a judicial investigation has been launched.

BATS develops and supplies technological solutions for the defense and homeland security sectors.

The company is linked to Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), one of Israel's major defense and aerospace companies.

Meanwhile, Francken accused the far left of being behind the attack in a post on US social media platform X.

"The far left has set fire to the offices of the Liege-based technology company BATS," he wrote.

The minister also accused the Belgian Workers' Party (PTB) of being the "political arm" of what he described as extremist violence.

No evidence linking the PTB to the arson attack has been publicly presented by investigators.

PTB leader Raoul Hedebouw rejected Francken's remarks, saying the party had nothing to do with the fire.