One day after the violent riots in Amsterdam where dozens of Israelis were injured, new details emerged last night (Friday) about the events leading up to the attacks in the Dutch capital.
A senior security official explained that various security agencies identified a flare-up on Dutch social media during the evening, including spontaneous calls from pro-Palestinian elements to hold a violent demonstration near the stadium.
At the same time, the National Security Council (NSC) received an update about a specific threat against an Israeli citizen who had arrived for the match in Amsterdam and was attacked - his passport was stolen and his details were published on social media as a target.
Due to concerns that terrorist elements might exploit this situation and harm that Israeli citizen, security agencies held consultations, after which the NSC made a targeted approach to that citizen warning him of the potential risk.
Israeli security officials revealed that the Mossad had also identified concerning social media activity before the match and requested increased security around the stadium and hotels where fans were staying. The Diaspora Affairs Ministry had also drafted a warning document highlighting a "very high risk" of attacks.
The Dutch government is investigating whether it failed to act on Israeli security warnings before the violent attacks on Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer fans in Amsterdam this week. Justice Minister David van Weel confirmed the probe in a letter to Parliament late Friday.
Despite having around 200 officers deployed, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema said police were caught off guard as they hadn't classified the match as high-risk. "Antisemitic hit-and-run squads" managed to evade law enforcement and attack Israeli fans throughout the city.
Of the 63 people initially detained, only four remain in custody as investigations continue. Van Weel stressed that identifying every suspect is "the absolute priority."
The incident has prompted security concerns across Europe. While a basketball game in Italy involving Maccabi Tel Aviv proceeded without incident on Friday, Israeli authorities are now advising citizens to avoid displaying visible Israeli or Jewish symbols when traveling abroad.
In a show of solidarity, hundreds gathered for a pro-Israel rally in Amsterdam's Dam Square on Friday, with protesters singing "Jerusalem of Gold" in Dutch while waving Israeli flags.
The Dutch Justice Minister met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who traveled to Amsterdam to oversee a rescue flight bringing fans home. Sa'ar also met with Geert Wilders, head of the largest party in the Dutch government, who pledged to combat antisemitism.
As reported, the violent events erupted sporadically, widely, and rapidly. However, apparently, events were not orchestrated by Iran or its proxies – Rather, it was a spontaneous pogrom by Islamic elements in Holland.
The Times of Israel contributed to this report.
