Israel is preparing to deploy an immediate rescue mission on November 8 following “a very violent incident” targeting multiple Israeli citizens in Amsterdam.
Widely circulated clips on social media appear to show Israeli football fans being attacked in the city by a pro-Palestinian mob. One appears to show a defenceless man being kicked as he curls up on the ground by at least two people, while another appears to portray a person being thrown in a river.
A statement issued by the Israeli Defence Force said: “The mission will be deployed using cargo aircraft and will include medical and rescue teams.”
The rescue operation will be coordinated with the Dutch government, the statement added.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s office reported that the Israeli Prime Minister had been briefed on the details of “a very violent incident” affecting Israeli citizens in the Dutch capital.
In a statement issued by his office, Mr Netanyahu views the “horrifying incident with utmost gravity” and called on the Dutch government and security forces to take “vigorous and swift action against the rioters.”
He spoke with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof this morning, asking him for increased security for the Jewish community in the Netherlands, it has been revealed.
Israel’s national security ministry has also advised its citizens in the city to remain in their hotels, according to the prime minister’s office.
The incident is believed to be linked to a football match at the Johan Cruyff Arena, where Ajax Amsterdam defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv 5-0, according to reports.
Israeli security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted on X, saying: “Fans who went to watch a football match faced anti-Semitism and were attacked with unimaginable cruelty simply due to their Jewish identity and Israeli nationality.”
Dutch Prime Minister Mr Schoof posted on X that he had “followed the news from Amsterdam with disgust.”
He added that he was in contact with Mr Netanyahu regarding the incident and stated that the city was now “calm”.
Local police reported that 57 people were detained after the match as pro-Palestine demonstrators attempted to reach the Johan Cruyff Arena, despite city authorities forbidding protests in the area.
Fans had left the stadium without incident, but clashes were reported in the city centre during the night, according to the police. There were no immediate reports of arrests or injuries from these clashes outside the football stadium.
Videos posted on social media showed crowds running through the streets and a man being assaulted.
Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, has requested the Dutch government’s assistance in helping Israeli citizens reach the airport safely. Saar made the request during a phone call with his Dutch counterpart, Caspar Veldkamp, on Friday.
