In Amsterdam, the daily “de Volkskrant” reports growing discontent among Dutch security institutions. This reaction follows an attempt at Israeli interference in the domestic politics of the Netherlands.
The Israeli Ministry responsible for Relations with the Diaspora and the Fight against Anti-Semitism sent a “special report” to Dutch MPs. This document was sent before a parliamentary session on violence involving Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters in Amsterdam. According to the report, the Dutch groups present at the events are linked to the Hamas movement.
The interference is described as “undesirable” by highly placed security sources cited by “de Volkskrant”. Two of these sources, wishing to remain anonymous, expressed concern about the situation at the highest level of the security ministries.
A spokesperson for the Dutch Interior Ministry declined to comment on these developments. Likewise, the spokesperson for the National Agency for the Coordination of the Fight against Terrorism and Security acknowledged having read the report but chose not to comment.
Koen Aartsma, security expert at the Dutch Institute of International Relations Clingendael, warned: “One must be careful with such reports which appear to be hastily prepared and emanating from an impartial source.”
Separately, MP Caroline van der Plas asked Prime Minister Dick Schoof questions about the allegations in the report. MP Chris Stover suggested including Dutch groups accused by Israel on the sanctions list as terrorist organizations.
The incident in Amsterdam dates back to November 7, after a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel-Aviv. Israeli supporters provoked clashes in the city. In particular, they tore down a Palestinian flag and insulted taxi drivers of Arab origin.
Videos posted on social networks show these supporters chanting hostile slogans. Furthermore, before the match, they had disrupted a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the floods in Spain.
Police arrested 63 people in connection with the violence. Five Israelis were briefly hospitalized. Following these events, Israel decided to urgently repatriate its citizens.
The city’s mayor, Femke Halsema, said at a press conference that Israeli supporters had been targeted by groups who beat them.
