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Israel has accused the Netherlands of becoming an "antisemitism hotspot" after Dutch authorities upheld a ban on Israeli supporters attending a UEFA Europa League match in Alkmaar, citing security concerns over potential protests and clashes.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry criticized the decision Monday, after authorities in Alkmaar refused to lift restrictions preventing supporters of Hapoel Be'er Sheva from attending their club's Oct. 15 match against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.
Local officials classified the fixture as "very high risk," prompting Israeli authorities to step up diplomatic efforts to overturn the ban and secure guarantees for visiting fans.
In a statement on X, the Israeli Foreign Ministry argued that the restrictions "reward those who threaten and incite violence" and run counter to the principles of international sporting competition.
The ministry accused Dutch authorities of banning "the victims, not the attackers," referring to violence surrounding a football match in Amsterdam in November 2024.
It also claimed that anti-Israel rhetoric from Dutch politicians and public figures had contributed to rising antisemitism, describing the football ban and a Dutch broadcaster's boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest over Israel's participation as "yet another stain" on the country.
There was no immediate response from Dutch authorities to the accusations.
According to The Times of Israel, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar raised the restrictions with his Dutch counterpart, Tom Berendsen, on Monday. Israeli officials also approached the Dutch Foreign Ministry and Alkmaar municipality, seeking permission for supporters to attend the match and assurances about their safety.
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The dispute follows unrest surrounding a November 2024 match between Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dutch side Ajax in Amsterdam.
The clashes were preceded by racist and anti-Palestinian chants from Israeli supporters, along with incidents of vandalism and the removal of a Palestinian flag.
Beyond football, tensions have also extended to international cultural events. In August, Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS announced it would boycott the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest over Israel's participation amid the war in Gaza, marking its second consecutive year of withdrawing from the competition.
The football restrictions remain in place ahead of Thursday's Europa League fixture.
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