A report by the inspectorate concludes that “fragmented acts of violence” against Maccabi supporters in Amsterdam during the Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer match require a different approach to police deployment. The inspectorate calls for a “paradigm shift,” urging police to adapt resources more flexibly to unforeseen situations.
The report details the events of November 7-8, when dozens of Israeli soccer supporters were harassed and mistreated in Amsterdam. The preceding day saw confrontations between Maccabi supporters and Amsterdam-based taxi drivers, many of whom are pro-Palestinian. Despite a large police presence of 1,200 units and 62 arrests, five people were seriously injured.
Although authorities anticipated increased tensions due to the conflict in Gaza, the risk’s extent became clear shortly before the match. Online intelligence revealed threats of “Jews are going to be hunted down” from individuals with malicious intent. The police were surprised by the involvement of taxi drivers, who hadn’t been considered a potential problem.
The police increased Mobile Unit (ME) deployment but found it insufficient to respond to the scattered attacks. The inspectorate highlights that the police’s traditional focus on large disturbances in concentrated locations proved inadequate for the small, fast, and unpredictable actions that occurred.
The inspectorate suggests a re-evaluation of tactics and organizational structures. Until midnight, the police functioned well, but the situation became uncontrollable. A shift in strategy occurred after midnight, focusing on protecting Maccabi supporters rather than arresting rioters, leading to a decrease in violence after 1:30 a.m.
The inspectorate notes that perception, fueled by violent images spread on social media, reinforced an image of chaos, blurring the line between fact and fiction. Taxi drivers played a significant role in coordinating attacks, acting as lookouts for potential targets. The report also addresses the role of the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV), noting unclear lines of responsibility regarding public order disturbances.
The report concludes by criticizing the hasty judgments made by politicians, administrators, and the media in the aftermath, which impacted public sentiment and the police officers involved. The inspectorate underscores the difficulty of interpreting online signals and the rapid spread of messages that can incite unexpected group formations.