Israel deploys rescue mission for Maccabi Tel Aviv hooligans in Amsterdam

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the deployment of rescue planes to the Netherlands on Friday following reports of violence involving Israeli football hooligans clashing with locals in Amsterdam. The clashes occurred during a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax.

Violence reported during Europa League match

Dutch media outlet AT5 reported clashes and vandalism on Thursday night involving Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax fans in central Amsterdam. Amsterdam police confirmed the presence of additional reinforcements, citing heightened security due to recent incidents, including the removal of a Palestinian flag from a building.

The Israeli embassy in the U.S. shared on social media that “hundreds” of Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were “ambushed” as they left the stadium. Meanwhile, Dutch police detained 57 individuals following the violent encounters, according to a statement made to the ANP news agency.

According to Israeli authorities, 10 of its nationals were injured in the violent confrontations that took place as Maccabi supporters left the stadium. However, social media accounts from Dutch locals paint a different picture, accusing the Israeli fans of provoking the violence.

⚠️ Graphic videos ⚠️

Hundreds of fans of the @MaccabiTLVFC soccer team were ambushed and attacked in Amsterdam tonight as they left the stadium following a game against @AFCAjax.

The mob who targeted these innocent Israelis has proudly shared their violent acts on social media.… pic.twitter.com/R3vRAIKrIG

— Embassy of Israel to the USA (@IsraelinUSA) November 8, 2024

Videos circulating on social media, some shared by the Israeli embassy to the United States on platform X, show chaotic scenes purportedly involving attacks on Maccabi supporters.

Eyewitnesses and local residents accuse the Maccabi hooligans of instigating the violence, alleging they had earlier torn down a Palestinian flag in Amsterdam’s center and hurled racist chants during the game.

Netanyahu calls for Dutch action

Netanyahu urged the Dutch government to take immediate measures against the attackers and ensure the safety of Israeli citizens. His office issued a statement emphasizing the severity of the incident but did not specify what initially caused the violence.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu views the horrifying incident with utmost gravity and demands that the Dutch government and security forces take vigorous and swift action against the rioters, and ensure the safety of our citizens,” his office said in a statement.

Israeli government response

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar requested the Dutch government’s help to safely escort Israeli citizens from their hotels to the airport.

“We deal with the authorities in the Netherlands in serious incidents there. Any Israeli or Jew who is currently in distress or has information and location about a violent event that is currently taking place.” Gideon Saar said.

The Israeli army announced plans to send rescue teams and medical staff, coordinating the effort with the Dutch authorities.

The targeted attacks against Jews and Israelis in Amsterdam tonight, are horrific and barbaric. The images of the violence toward Jewish people in Europe are a painful reminder of our history.

The IDF has an historic duty of protecting our people, wherever they are. We are…

— LTC Nadav Shoshani (@LTC_Shoshani) November 8, 2024

“Following the severe incidents of violence against Israelis in Amsterdam, under the guidance of the political echelon and following the assessment of the situation, the IDF immediately prepared to send out a rescue mission in coordination with the Dutch government. The delegation will leave in transport planes and will include medical and rescue teams,” the Israeli army said in a statement.

Flights and safety measures

The Israeli Transportation Ministry instructed carriers El Al and Israir to add three additional flights to Amsterdam to facilitate the return of Israeli citizens. Regularly scheduled flights will continue as planned.

The Israeli National Security Council urged Israelis in Amsterdam to remain sheltered in their hotels and advised against displaying any visible Jewish or Israeli symbols.

Political reactions in Netherlands

Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders criticized the attacks, describing them as a “Jew hunt” in the streets of Amsterdam.

Looks like a Jew hunt in the streets of Amsterdam. Arrest and deport the multicultural scum that attacked Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters in our streets. Ashamed that this can happen in The Netherlands. Totally unacceptable. https://t.co/Ju54TO27Ks

— Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) November 8, 2024

Wilders called for the immediate arrest and deportation of the attackers, holding the authorities responsible for failing to protect Israeli citizens.

“A pogrom in the streets of Amsterdam. We have become the Gaza of Europe. Muslims with Palestinian flags hunting down Jews. I will NOT accept that. NEVER. The authorities will be held accountable for their failure to protect the Israeli citizens. Never again.” Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders said.