Israel Abruptly ‘Attacks’ the Netherlands: Here’s Why

Tensions between Israel and the Netherlands have risen after authorities in Alkmaar barred supporters of Israeli football club Hapoel Be’er Sheva from attending their Europa League match against AZ Alkmaar. Israel condemned the decision, saying the ban punishes potential victims of threats of violence.

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticised the move on Monday evening (12 October 2026), after Alkmaar authorities reaffirmed the ban on Israeli supporters attending the match scheduled for 15 October 2026. Local officials cited security concerns as the reason for the decision.

“Two years after Israelis were hunted in the streets of Amsterdam, the Dutch response is to ban the victims, not the perpetrators,” the ministry said, according to Middle East Monitor on Wednesday (14 October 2026).

The ministry said Alkmaar’s decision ran counter to the fundamental principles and spirit of sport. Israel also accused the policy of “rewarding those who make threats and incite violence”.

The ministry further claimed that attacks on Israelis were fuelled by anti-Israel incitement from some Dutch politicians and public figures. However, this was an allegation by Israel, and the published statement provided no additional evidence.

Israel also linked the supporters’ ban to a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described both events as “another stain on the Netherlands”.

In the same statement, Israel accused the Netherlands of increasingly becoming one of the world’s leading centres of antisemitism. The source report did not include a response from the Dutch government to the criticism.

The ban has added to tensions beyond the sporting arena, as security concerns, political conflict and allegations of antisemitism loom over the Hapoel Be’er Sheva–AZ Alkmaar match.