The Mossad warned of a threat in the Netherlands ahead of the pogrom - report

The Mossad issued a warning to security agencies in Israel and the Netherlands, requesting an immediate increase in security for Israelis attending the match and in the city.

 A Maccabi Tel Aviv fan who landed in Israel after the antisemitic attacks in Amsterdam, November 8, 2024. (photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/MAARIV)
A Maccabi Tel Aviv fan who landed in Israel after the antisemitic attacks in Amsterdam, November 8, 2024.
(photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/MAARIV)

The Mossad reportedly warned of a potential threat to Israelis and Jews in the Netherlands ahead of the soccer game, following which the pogrom ensued, KAN News reported Friday, citing a senior security official.

They reportedly sent a warning to security forces in Israel and the Netherlands, requesting an immediate and significant increase in security for Israelis near the soccer stadium. 

The source also said that Israel's National Security Council received a single report regarding a targeted threat against an Israeli citizen, a former Border Police soldier.

The former soldier, according to the KAN report, came to the game in Amsterdam and was attacked by pro-Palestinian individuals and had his passport stolen. His personal details were posted on social media as a target for people to harm. 

The Mossad issued a warning to security agencies in Israel and the Netherlands, requesting an immediate increase in security for Israelis attending the match and in the city, particularly for hotels housing fans, KAN reported.

 Dutch mobile Police officers stand guard after several scuffles broke out in the city center following the UEFA Europa League, League phase - Matchday 4, football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv, in Amsterdam on November 8, 2024.  (credit:  VLN Niews / ANP / AFP)
Dutch mobile Police officers stand guard after several scuffles broke out in the city center following the UEFA Europa League, League phase - Matchday 4, football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv, in Amsterdam on November 8, 2024. (credit: VLN Niews / ANP / AFP)

However, at this stage, the National Security Agency had not been briefed on particular actions, and no public message was issued to Israelis.

Violent escalation spreading 'like wildfire'

The Israeli source was cited by KAN as describing the violent escalation as spreading "like wildfire." Israeli officials have so far noted that the attacks were not directed by Iran. 

It was reported on Tuesday that along with Maccabi's regular security personnel, Mossad agents would join the team in Amsterdam, Dutch newspaper De Telegraff wrote. 

Spanish newspaper AS had also earlier reported that a pro-Palestinian group was planning a major protest outside the stadium targeting the Israeli team and its fans, with an estimated 2,600 supporters expected from Israel.