After a ”very violent incident”, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered two planes to be sent to Amsterdam this Friday morning to rescue Maccabi Tel Aviv fans after violence led to dozens of arrests on the sidelines of a match of the Europa League.
“The Prime Minister has ordered the immediate dispatch of two rescue planes to come to the aid of our citizens,” read a statement from his services, specifying that Benjamin Netanyahu regarded “the atrocious incident with the utmost seriousness.” The head of the Israeli government “demands that the Dutch government and security forces take vigorous and swift action against the rioters and ensure the safety of our citizens”, reports that his official report on our fellow citizens in Amsterdam will not be ignored” , continues. .
Clashes broke out during the night in the center of Amsterdam, at the end of the football match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel-Aviv, won by the Dutch club (5-0). “There are numerous mobile unit vehicles present and reinforcements have also been called. Young people also allegedly provoked the police,” local media AT5 reported.
Israeli army announces deployment of ‘rescue mission’
Police protected and escorted the Israeli fans to their hotel, according to footage shared by AT5. The Amsterdam police, quoted by the ANP agency, indicated that they had made 57 arrests in total during the day.
The Israeli army also announced “the deployment of a rescue mission for Israelis attacked in Amsterdam,” out of its “historic duty to protect our people, wherever they are.” “The targeted attacks against Jews and Israelis in Amsterdam this evening are horrific and barbaric. The images of violence against the Jewish people in Europe painfully remind us of our history,” he replied ON one of its spokespersons, Nadav Shoshani.
ON his story in Hebrewthe IDF specifies that it is “immediately ready to send a rescue mission in coordination with the Dutch government”. “The delegation will depart on board planes” and “will include medical and rescue teams,” he added.
Amsterdam police said on Thursday they were “particularly vigilant” on his X account, after reporting several incidents, including a Palestinian flag torn from a facade “by unknown persons”.
In the afternoon, around a hundred Israeli supporters gathered in Dam Square – surrounded by a large police force – before heading to the Johan Cruyff stadium, south-west of the Dutch capital.
Initially, a pro-Palestinian demonstration was planned near the stadium to condemn the arrival of the Israeli club, but for security reasons it was moved a little further away, near the Amsterdam city hall.
Time.news Interview: The Aftermath of Violence in Amsterdam – An Expert Perspective
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent violent incident in Amsterdam involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans. We have with us Dr. Sarah Cohen, an expert in international relations and conflict resolution. Dr. Cohen, your insights into this situation will be invaluable.
Dr. Sarah Cohen: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical issue, and I’m glad to discuss it.
Editor: Let’s start with the incident itself. The clashes occurred after a Europa League match where Ajax defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv. Can you elaborate on the implications of such violence stemming from sporting events?
Dr. Cohen: Absolutely. Sporting events can often act as flashpoints for broader societal tensions, especially when national or ethnic identities are involved. In this case, the brutality following the match not only endangered the fans but also reflects underlying issues of hostility that can surface in public gatherings. The violent incident in Amsterdam is deeply concerning, especially given the historical context of anti-Semitism in Europe.
Editor: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reaction was immediate, ordering rescue planes to Amsterdam. How should we interpret this swift response in terms of international relations?
Dr. Cohen: Netanyahu’s response signals a strong commitment to the safety of Israeli citizens abroad, which is expected from any national leader. This measure demonstrates not only the government’s dedication to protecting its citizens but also serves as a communication tool to reinforce to Israeli citizens that their safety is paramount. Additionally, it sends a clear message to other nations about Israel’s expectations regarding the protection of its citizens.
Editor: The Prime Minister also urged the Dutch government to take vigorous action against the rioters. How important is cooperation between nations in such cases?
Dr. Cohen: Cooperation is crucial. When incidents like this occur, it’s a test of diplomatic relations. Ensuring safety on a global scale relies heavily on countries working together. The Netherlands will need to acknowledge Israel’s concerns and respond appropriately to restore faith in its ability to ensure safety for all, including foreign visitors. Successful diplomacy can sometimes pave the way for better measures in future events to prevent such violence.
Editor: You mentioned anti-Semitism in your last response. The statement from the Israeli army described the targeted attacks against Israelis as “horrific and barbaric.” Do you think this incident reflects a broader trend of anti-Semitic violence in Europe?
Dr. Cohen: Unfortunately, yes. This incident cannot be viewed in isolation. Increased reports of anti-Semitic incidents across Europe have raised concerns among Jewish communities. While many factors contribute to these tensions, it’s essential for European nations to confront this issue head-on. Political leaders must foster an environment of tolerance and security to prevent further escalation, especially during populist movements that can amplify hostilities.
Editor: The Amsterdam police reported that 57 arrests were made during this incident, and many of those involved were said to be provoking police. What does law enforcement’s response indicate about the nature of the violence?
Dr. Cohen: The presence of a strong police response indicates that local authorities were prepared for potential unrest, although it seems the situation escalated beyond expectations. It highlights the need for intelligence and proactive planning during large events, particularly with teams that may have a controversial following. The behavior of the rioters should be scrutinized, and understanding the motivations behind such actions is essential for preventing future incidents.
Editor: looking ahead, what measures do you think should be implemented to ensure the safety of fans during international sporting events?
Dr. Cohen: First and foremost, dialogue between countries hosting foreign fans is essential. Enhanced security measures at events, including better intelligence-sharing and crowd management, can mitigate violence. Additionally, fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogue around sporting events can help reduce tensions. Education plays a pivotal role—countering stereotypes and promoting tolerance can fundamentally alter the atmosphere at these gatherings.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Cohen, for your valuable insights today. The rise in violence at international events is troubling, and your analysis offers a roadmap for addressing these challenges.
Dr. Cohen: Thank you for having me. Success in dealing with these issues will require collaboration and a commitment to safety and understanding on all fronts.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in to this critical discussion. We hope you found it informative, and we will continue to bring you updates as this situation develops.