Dutch government investigating possible Israeli interference after Amsterdam violence
The Dutch government is examining whether Israeli authorities engaged in unwanted foreign interference following anti-Semitic attacks in Amsterdam earlier this month. The National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) is leading the investigation, focusing on actions by Israeli officials and reports circulated to Dutch politicians.
Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp confirmed during a parliamentary debate that the NCTV is assessing whether the involvement of Israeli authorities crossed acceptable boundaries. "At this moment, officials are still working on determining if this constitutes a case of unwanted interference," Veldkamp stated. "I expect the report to be sent to Parliament by the end of next week. At the same time, I acknowledge the emotions within the Israeli cabinet."
Israeli ministers publicly criticized the Dutch response shortly after the violence, claiming Dutch authorities were warned in advance about risks surrounding the Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv football match. The Dutch government has denied receiving such warnings. Additionally, Israeli officials shared a detailed report with Dutch lawmakers, alleging connections between Dutch activists and Hamas.
GreenLeft-PvdA MP Kati Piri, who requested clarification from Veldkamp, expressed concerns about the extent of Israeli involvement. "A report is being shared, and Israeli ministers are offering strong criticism," Piri said. "I want to know if this indeed constitutes unwanted interference."
A spokesperson for the NCTV indicated that the agency is compiling its findings under the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "The ministry is the commissioning authority; we cannot comment further," the spokesperson said.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar sharply criticized Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema after she walked back her use of the term "pogrom" to describe the violence. Sa'ar labeled the mayor’s comments a "cover-up" and stated on social media: "Hundreds of Israeli fans who came to a football match were followed and attacked. There is no other word for this than a pogrom."
The situation has also drawn attention to the Israeli Diaspora Affairs Ministry, which sent a 27-page report to Dutch politicians ahead of the parliamentary debate. The report, reportedly accusing Dutch organizations and individuals, including Palestinian-Dutch citizens, of links to Hamas, became a contentious point during discussions.
