A motion concerning the use of the Den Helder aquatic center by foreign powers, specifically Israel, was adopted by the municipal council despite the municipality having no say in the matter. The debate highlights the increasing intrusion of national and international politics into local issues.

The controversy arose after it was revealed that Israeli soldiers use the diving tower at the aquatic center, also known as Triton 12, to practice escaping from submarines. This revelation prompted GroenLinks (GreenLeft party) to raise concerns, even mentioning the term “genocide” in council questions. In response, the PVV (Party for Freedom) and the Stadspartij (City Party) proposed a motion to prevent municipal facilities from being used to exclude any specific country or population group.

The aquatic center, a modern facility used by both civilians and military personnel, has recently undergone 2 million euros in repairs due to cracks in the floors and broken water filters. During council adjournments, tensions flared as politicians accused each other of injecting geopolitics into local governance. PVV representatives stated that GroenLinks initiated the polarization, while GroenLinks argued that the PVV was politicizing the issue. Accusations of threats against swimming pool employees and council members further escalated the debate.

Despite the alderman’s clarification that the municipality follows national policy regarding the use of the diving tower, the motion was adopted. The PVV labeled GroenLinks as “the party of exclusion,” while other parties criticized GroenLinks’ actions as dangerous. The debate also touched upon broader political issues, such as budget cuts imposed on municipalities and past conflicts in other regions, underscoring the deep divisions within the council.