Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on the Netherlands to increase security for Israeli citizens following a series of violent assaults on Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer fans in Amsterdam on Thursday. The attacks, which Dutch authorities have labeled as antisemitic incidents, occurred after a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, sparking diplomatic tensions and widespread condemnation.
The violence erupted as Maccabi supporters were ambushed and attacked in the streets of Amsterdam, with numerous videos circulating on social media showing disturbing scenes of brutality. In one clip shared by the Israeli embassy to the United States, a man is seen being kicked while lying on the ground, while another shows an attacker shouting "Free Palestine" during the assault. The Israeli Foreign Ministry reported that up to 20 nationals were injured, while seven others remain unreachable.
In response, Netanyahu spoke with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, urging the Netherlands to enhance the protection of Israelis in the country. "The premeditated attacks against our citizens must be taken seriously," Netanyahu stated. He initially announced plans to deploy Israeli Defense Forces to evacuate citizens but later adjusted the response, opting for El Al planes to conduct the evacuation instead.
Amsterdam's Mayor Femke Halsema denounced the attacks, describing them as "hit-and-run" assaults carried out by criminals on scooters targeting Maccabi supporters. "This is a terrible moment for our city. It's against everything we are proud of in Amsterdam. I am very ashamed of the behavior that was shown last night," Halsema said during a Friday news conference. She stressed that while tensions surrounding the Middle East conflict have prompted protests, what occurred on Thursday "wasn't a protest... It was crime."
The clashes occurred despite heightened security measures in the lead-up to the game. Dutch police stated they had bolstered their presence around the city due to escalating tensions. Following the match, which Ajax won 5-0, the atmosphere initially appeared calm, but clashes soon broke out in the city center. Amsterdam authorities reported that 63 people were arrested, with 10 remaining in custody. Police intervened multiple times to escort Israeli fans to safety and prevent further escalation.
Tensions had been building before the match, with videos circulating online of Maccabi supporters chanting anti-Arab slogans and tearing down Palestinian flags. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned these actions and called on the Dutch government to protect Palestinians and Arabs in the country.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the violence as the most alarming act against Jews since the Hamas attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. "We woke up this morning to shocking images and videos... an antisemitic pogrom currently taking place against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and Israeli citizens in the heart of Amsterdam," Herzog posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The Dutch Prime Minister echoed these sentiments, condemning the attacks as "unacceptable" and vowing that "the perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted." Schoof emphasized that the Netherlands will not tolerate antisemitic behavior or violence targeting individuals based on their nationality.
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced plans to travel to the Netherlands to meet with local authorities and discuss further protective measures. "These barbaric and antisemitic attacks serve as a blaring alarm call for Europe and the world," Sa'ar declared.
The incident has reverberated across Europe, with calls for heightened security measures ahead of upcoming soccer matches involving Israeli teams. France, which is set to host a match between its national team and Israel next week, has pledged not to back down despite security threats. "France is not abdicating in the face of threats of violence and antisemitism," French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stated, confirming robust security plans for the match.
