Tensions between Israel and the Netherlands have risen after\nauthorities in Alkmaar barred supporters of Israeli football club Hapoel\nBe\u2019er Sheva from attending their Europa League match against AZ Alkmaar.\nIsrael condemned the decision, saying the ban punishes potential victims\nof threats of violence.<\/p>\n
Israel\u2019s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticised the move on Monday\nevening (12 October 2026), after Alkmaar authorities reaffirmed the ban\non Israeli supporters attending the match scheduled for 15 October 2026.\nLocal officials cited security concerns as the reason for the\ndecision.<\/p>\n
\u201cTwo years after Israelis were hunted in the streets of Amsterdam,\nthe Dutch response is to ban the victims, not the perpetrators,\u201d the\nministry said, according to Middle East Monitor on Wednesday (14 October\n2026).<\/p>\n
The ministry said Alkmaar\u2019s decision ran counter to the fundamental\nprinciples and spirit of sport. Israel also accused the policy of\n\u201crewarding those who make threats and incite violence\u201d.<\/p>\n
The ministry further claimed that attacks on Israelis were fuelled by\nanti-Israel incitement from some Dutch politicians and public figures.\nHowever, this was an allegation by Israel, and the published statement\nprovided no additional evidence.<\/p>\n
Israel also linked the supporters\u2019 ban to a boycott of the Eurovision\nSong Contest. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described both events as\n\u201canother stain on the Netherlands\u201d.<\/p>\n
In the same statement, Israel accused the Netherlands of increasingly\nbecoming one of the world\u2019s leading centres of antisemitism. The source\nreport did not include a response from the Dutch government to the\ncriticism.<\/p>\n
The ban has added to tensions beyond the sporting arena, as security\nconcerns, political conflict and allegations of antisemitism loom over\nthe Hapoel Be\u2019er Sheva\u2013AZ Alkmaar match.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/israel-abruptly-attacks-the-netherlands-heres-why-1791993015", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }