Israel demands Netherlands reverse ban on Hapoel Be'er Sheva fans for Europa League match in Alkmaar

From the Newshound archive · first published 12 October 2026 · last updated 13 October 2026.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has raised the matter directly with his Dutch counterpart Tom Berendsen after the Netherlands moved to bar Hapoel Be'er Sheva supporters from Thursday's Europa League fixture against AZ Alkmaar. Alkmaar authorities rated the match as "very high risk due to the geopolitical context," pointing to the potential for clashes between Israeli supporters and demonstrators. The Israeli embassy in The Hague has held separate talks with Dutch police, while the Israel Football Association remains in close contact with officials in an effort to have the ban lifted.

Dutch authorities cited the November 2024 Amsterdam pogrom — when Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were assaulted by mobs — as the reason for the extraordinary security classification.

Israel's Foreign Ministry says it is demanding not only entry for fans but a full safety guarantee both inside the stadium and in its surrounding areas.

The ban looks likely to hold: Alkmaar has stated that Israeli supporters will not be admitted, and Thursday's kick-off is days away with no reversal confirmed.