The Netherlands has, for the first time, identified Israel as a foreign influence threat, citing alleged disinformation campaigns and attempts to sway Dutch politics. The findings appear in the Threat Assessment from Foreign States 2025, published this month by the Dutch National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV), reports YNetNews.
The report alleges that Israel attempted to manipulate Dutch public opinion by circulating a document from its Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and the Fight Against Antisemitism. Rather than being sent through official diplomatic channels, the document was distributed directly to selected Dutch politicians and journalists following violent incidents during a November football match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam.
Dutch ministers criticised this approach as “irregular and undesirable,” warning that naming individuals in the document could expose them to threats, harassment, or physical attacks. The November clashes left dozens of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans injured, with 12 hospitalised. Footage on social media showed masked assailants waving Palestinian flags while kicking and punching Israeli supporters. Some reports suggest tensions escalated after Maccabi Tel Aviv fans removed Palestinian flags and vandalised property, reportedly shouting “Death to Arabs.”
The NCTV report also highlighted concerns over threats—allegedly from both Israel and the United States—against the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, warning that such pressure could undermine its operations. As host to international legal institutions, the Netherlands is particularly vigilant against external interference.
Tensions between the Netherlands and Israel have intensified since the outbreak of the Gaza war and the worsening humanitarian crisis. The Dutch government has openly criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urging the European Union, alongside Ireland and Spain, to reassess its relationship with Israel for alleged human rights violations. In February 2024, the Hague Court of Appeals ordered the Dutch government to halt exports of F-35 fighter jet components to Israel due to concerns about breaches of international humanitarian law.
Recent polls show a marked rise in negative public sentiment towards Israel, with growing calls to suspend economic and military cooperation. Nevertheless, the Dutch government continues to back a two-state solution, supporting a secure Israel alongside a democratic and independent Palestinian state. The EU, including the Netherlands, remains a major provider of humanitarian and development aid to Palestinian territories.
Photo credit: AP Photo/Peter Dejong
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