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Violence Against Israeli Fans in Amsterdam Leaves Five Hospitalised, Police Arrest 62

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Updated 1:53 PM CET, November 8, 2024

LONDON (geopol.uk) - In a disturbing wave of violence on the evening of November 7, 2024, Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam were attacked following a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax Amsterdam.

Witnesses reported the assailants chanting pro-Palestinian slogans as they targeted Israelis, resulting in at least ten injuries, with reports indicating that two individuals remain unaccounted for. In addition to physical assaults, attackers allegedly stole passports from some victims, complicating their immediate ability to return to Israel.

Amsterdam police report that five individuals have been hospitalised and 62 people detained following the attacks.

Israeli Government Response

In direct response to the attacks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attacks as antisemitic and ordered the dispatch of two planes to Amsterdam to evacuate affected Israeli citizens. The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a warning, advising its citizens in the Netherlands to stay indoors and exercise caution. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also requested assistance from Dutch authorities to ensure the safe passage of Israelis to the airport, underscoring Israel’s emphasis on the protection of its nationals abroad.

Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the violence as a blatant act of antisemitism, alleging that Israelis were subjected to physical violence, run over by vehicles, and in one case, thrown into a river. In a chilling account, former Israeli special envoy Noa Tishby reported that one Israeli fan was forced to say “Free Palestine” before being released.

Dutch Condemnation and Heightened Security

The attack has also sparked reactions from Dutch leaders, who voiced shock and condemnation of the incidents. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed horror, emphasizing that such antisemitic violence is unacceptable in the Netherlands.

In Amsterdam, Mayor Femke Halsema condemned the violence and stated that the city is taking necessary precautions to protect all residents and visitors, marking the incidents as an affront to Amsterdam’s values of tolerance and peace.

Dutch Minister of Justice and Security Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius confirmed that authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. She reiterated the government’s commitment to fighting antisemitism and upholding the safety and rights of all individuals within the Netherlands.

Dutch police have heightened security in neighbourhoods and public areas frequented by Israeli nationals and Jewish communities in Amsterdam, aiming to prevent further attacks and reassure the public of its commitment to safety.

Media and Political Responses in Israel

The attacks have catalysed an intense response in Israel, with key government figures speaking out against the violence. Prime Minister Netanyahu underscored Israel’s dedication to the safety of its citizens worldwide, while Foreign Minister Sa’ar expressed deep concern and reaffirmed his request for Dutch authorities’ cooperation in ensuring safe transit for Israelis seeking to leave the Netherlands

Security Minister Ben-Gvir was especially vocal, describing the attacks as “open antisemitism.” He criticised the theft of personal belongings, which included Israeli passports, as not only a violation of individuals but also a reminder of the vulnerability Israelis face in some international settings.

Muted Response from the Arab World and Middle Eastern Media

As of November 8, 2024, coverage of the attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam has been limited in Arab media outlets. Reporting has primarily occurred in Dutch and Israeli news sources, while major Arab news organisations have offered only brief mentions of the attacks. Al Jazeera, Al Arabiya, and Asharq Al-Awsat provided brief summaries, focusing on the reactions from Israeli and Dutch authorities. Gulf News and The National also covered the incident minimally, likely due to an attribution to domestic root causes rather than geopolitical contexts.

Arab media outlets that have reported on the incident include:

Al Jazeera: Briefly covered the incident in its international news section, with a focus on reactions from Israeli and Dutch officials.
Al Arabiya: Issued a short report summarising the events and highlighting the Israeli government’s response.
Asharq Al-Awsat: Published a concise article covering the attacks and subsequent international reactions.
Gulf News: Mentioned the incident in a world news roundup, focusing on diplomatic responses.
The National (UAE): Provided a short piece on the event, noting the implications for international relations.

Given the geopolitical sensitivity surrounding incidents involving Israeli citizens abroad, speculation has arisen regarding possible links to Iranian influence or state-sponsored actions. However, there is currently no confirmed evidence suggesting Iranian involvement or coordinated asymmetric warfare.

Previously, Iran has been implicated in organising attacks on Israeli and Jewish targets across Europe, including the Netherlands. Reports indicate that Iran has enlisted European criminal gangs to conduct surveillance and coordinate attacks on Israeli and Jewish interests. In early 2024, for example, a series of arson attacks on Israeli-owned businesses in southern France was attributed to these networks.

In the Netherlands, the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV) and the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) have identified Iran as one of the countries engaging in efforts to monitor and intimidate diaspora communities. These activities include pressuring individuals to demonstrate loyalty to foreign governments or participate in espionage.

Although there are currently no indications that the specific incidents in Amsterdam on November 7 have direct ties to Iranian state actions, the broader pattern of Iran’s activities in Europe suggests a sustained effort to target Israeli and Jewish interests. Authorities continue to investigate such incidents on a broader scale, remaining vigilant for any potential connections to organised networks or wider geopolitical motives. The recent events are likely to be included in these investigations with even greater scrutiny.