Netanyahu asks Dutch leader for increased security after attack, IDF plans rescue mission in Amsterdam

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked his counterpart in the Netherlands on Friday to provide more security for Israelis after fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv FC soccer team was attacked by anti-Israel protesters on Thursday.

In addition, the Israel Defense Forces said it would “immediately deploy a rescue mission” to Amsterdam led by the IDF’s Home Front Command, according to the Times of Israel.

Israel’s foreign ministry said up to 20 of its nationals have been injured, while seven others remain unaccounted for since the attacks.

ISRAELI FOOTBALL FANS TARGETED IN WAVE OF VIOLENCE IN AMSTERDAM

Anti-Israel agitators demonstrate at Anton de Komplein Square in Amsterdam ahead of the UEFA Europa League soccer match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 7, 2024. (JEROEN JUMELET/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking to Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof after the attacks, Netanyahu said he takes the “premeditated attacks” seriously. He urged Schoof to strengthen security for Israelis in the country. Meanwhile, Israel is doing its part to take care of its own in the Netherlands.

Planes have been sent to the Netherlands to bring back Israelis, including those who were injured, according to the Times of Israel. They have also added more telephone lines at the embassy and in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ situation room.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called Thursday’s attack the most alarming thing to happen to Jews since the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas terrorists in southern Israel.

“We woke up this morning to shocking images and videos that since October 7th we had hoped never to see again: an anti-Semitic pogrom currently taking place against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and Israeli citizens in the heart of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, ” wrote Herzog on X.

“This is a serious incident, a warning sign for any country that wants to uphold the values ​​of freedom.”

TWO JEWISH STUDENTS AT DEPAUL UNIVERSITY TARGETED ON CAMPUS BY MASKED ATTACKERS

Maccabi Tel Aviv fans stage a pro-Israel demonstration at Dam Square, lighting flares and shouting slogans ahead of the UEFA Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax in Amsterdam, Netherlands on November 7, 2024. (Mouneb Taim/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The Dutch prime minister on Friday called the “anti-Semitic” attacks on Israeli soccer fans “unacceptable” and said “the perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted.”

Videos on social media showed several fights taking place in the streets outside the stadium where Maccabi Tel Aviv FC played against Ajax. Days earlier, Spanish media reported that anti-Israel agitators would protest outside the stadium to attack Israel’s soccer club and its fans.

ANTI-ISRAEL DEMONSTROSERS HAD LEGAL SETBACK IN WORK TO EXPAND DNC RALLY

Supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv hold flags at Dam Square ahead of the Europa League soccer match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam on November 7, 2024. (JEROEN JUMELET/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The IDF has prevented soldiers from flying to Amsterdam, but “extraordinary requests will be examined individually,” the military said.