Dozens were arrested in Amsterdam on a tumultuous Thursday, as violent clashes erupted during a soccer match between the Dutch club Ajax and the Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv. The Israeli government has denounced the incidents as antisemitic in nature.
Following the events, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday his directive for two planes to assist affected Israeli nationals in the Netherlands. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir took to social media, emphasizing that Israeli officials are coordinating with Dutch authorities to probe the violence, attributing it largely to antisemitism.
According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, injuries were reported among at least ten Israeli citizens, with two still unaccounted for. The Dutch police confirmed 57 arrests linked to the upheaval, primarily occurring near the Johan Cruyff Arena during the match. Yet, the police's statement refrained from labeling the unrest as antisemitism-related or specifying any immediate targets of the violence.
Tensions escalated in areas where supporters gathered, with pro-Maccabi groups clashing with opponents of the team's arrival. Early Thursday, hundreds of Maccabi fans congregated in central Amsterdam, initially provoking a tense atmosphere that eventually settled slightly. Ten arrests were made prior to the match, primarily for public order offenses.
In a separate confrontation at Anton de Komplein, attendees protesting Maccabi Tel Aviv's presence clashed with police, leading to roughly 30 arrests for public disturbance and fireworks usage. Mayor Femke Halsema had previously barred the protest from stadium premises, dictating it to take place outside.
Ben-Gvir expressed concerns for the safety of Israeli fans, asserting that they faced severe antisemitic aggression simply for their heritage. Newly appointed Foreign Minister Gideon Saar echoed these sentiments, pledging that the Israeli Foreign Ministry would work in conjunction with Dutch authorities to address the violence and assist those in need.
As the situation unfolds, responses and investigations continue, highlighting the multifaceted tensions that arose during what was meant to be a celebratory sporting event.
