Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reached out to the Dutch Prime Minister following a disturbing incident where fans of the Maccabi Tel Aviv FC soccer team were attacked by pro-Palestinian protesters in Amsterdam. The Israeli Defense Forces have announced plans to deploy a rescue mission to assist affected Israelis in the Netherlands.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry reported that around 20 nationals were injured during the attacks, with seven individuals still unaccounted for. Netanyahu expressed grave concern over the 'premeditated attacks' and urged Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof to enhance security measures for Israelis in the country.
In response to the situation, Israel has initiated efforts to evacuate its citizens from the Netherlands, including those who sustained injuries. Additional resources, such as extra phone lines at the embassy and the Foreign Ministry's situation room, have been allocated to provide support.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attacks as a significant threat to the Jewish community, likening the incident to past acts of terrorism. He emphasized the need for countries to uphold the values of freedom and combat antisemitism.
Prime Minister Schoof denounced the 'antisemitic' nature of the assaults on Israeli soccer fans, assuring that the perpetrators would be identified and prosecuted. Videos circulating on social media captured violent altercations outside the stadium where Maccabi Tel Aviv FC was playing Ajax, indicating a premeditated targeting of Israeli interests.
While the IDF has restricted soldiers from traveling to Amsterdam, exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The international community is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of Israelis in the Netherlands.
