a “premeditated anti-Semitic attack” for Netanyahu, a “pogrom” for Herzog

The Israeli Prime Minister denounced a “terrible incident” after the clashes that occurred between Israeli supporters and Dutch people on the sidelines of a Europa League match, in Amsterdam, on the night of November 7 to 8, 2024. The clashes broke out at the outcome of the meeting between the clubs of Ajax Amsterdam and Macabi Tel-Aviv won by the Dutch team (5-0). Images of the clashes have circulated on social media and some appear to show young Dutch people chasing Israeli nationals.

“A large number of vehicles from the mobile unit are present and reinforcements have also been called. Young people are also said to have provoked the police,” said local media AT5 to describe the scene and the response of the police. Amsterdam police protected and escorted Israeli supporters to their hotels after the clashes, according to AT5 footage. According to the same media, 57 arrests took place before and after the match. Most of those arrested are described as pro-Palestinian activists.

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof, assured on X “that the perpetrators will be sought and prosecuted” reporting the remarks made to his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, during an interview. He denounced “completely unacceptable anti-Semitic attacks against Israelis”.

A “premeditated” attack according to Israel

The head of the government of Israel indicated in a statement “that he viewed with seriousness the premeditated anti-Semitic attack against Israeli citizens and called for increased security for the Jewish community in the Netherlands”, in particular with the taking of ” vigorous and rapid measures against the rioters. In response to the clashes, Benjamin Netanyahu sent planes to the Netherlands to “bring back” Israeli nationals, including the injured. And the Prime Minister added that “the cruel images of the aggression against our fellow citizens in Amsterdam will not be ignored”.

The Israeli army also reacted to the violence that occurred in Amsterdam, describing acts “targeted against Jews and Israelis”, “horrible and barbaric”, through one of its spokespersons, Nadav Shoshani. The IDF added on X that it had “immediately prepared to send a rescue mission” including a cargo plane and medical teams “in coordination with the Dutch government”.

These violent events come as the war in the Middle East, in which Israel is fighting Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon, continues. Previous meetings of Israeli teams in football competitions have caused much concern. The Dutch authorities, however, assure that they have been “particularly vigilant” in view of the match. The gathering of Israeli supporters before the match was protected by a large device and another bringing together pro-Palestinian activists opposing the club's arrival was moved away from the stadium where the match took place as a security measure.

While a match between the French and Israeli teams is scheduled for November 14 at the Stade de France, such clashes raise concerns about possible excesses during the match next week.