Intelligence services have begun intensifying intelligence sharing and situational assessments with the US military to prevent overlooking critical developments.
By AMIR BOHBOTAn Iranian missile system is displayed next to a banner with a picture of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during Iranian defence week, in a street in Tehran, Iran, September 24, 2024.(photo credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)
Concerns have been raised within Israel’s defense establishment that Iran might try to exploit the period before former US President Donald Trump’s return to office to act against Israel.
Intelligence services have begun intensifying intelligence sharing and situational assessments with the US military to prevent overlooking critical developments.
Officials emphasize that Israel’s political leadership must understand Trump’s proposed Iran policy to shape its own military and diplomatic strategy. Many within the defense community believe that the diplomatic efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions “have run their course.”
Some defense officials recall Trump’s statement at a recent convention: “Iran will not have nuclear weapons,” though he added that, if elected, he would aim to end wars rather than start new ones. Questions remain regarding his intended methods.
In private discussions, sources said that Trump confided to associates that if he had a few more months in his first term, he would have imposed additional sanctions to destabilize Iran’s economy. Now, the question for Israel is whether Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government will align with Trump on a new round of sanctions against Iran or press for a broader military initiative targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. To date, Trump has not provided a detailed policy on Iran’s nuclear program.
Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump takes the stage to address supporters at his rally, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., November 6, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/BRIAN SNYDER/FILE PHOTO)
Senior IDF officials have emphasized the close coordination between Israel and top US government officials, including the US Central Command (CENTCOM) and British allies, in preparation for the recent Israel Air Force strike in Iran. According to senior IDF sources, this collaboration enhanced both the precision and effectiveness of the operation.
Leaving Iran exposed to future attacks
IDF data indicate that the strike successfully targeted key Iranian defensive and offensive sites. Among the targets were 14 radar systems connected to surface-to-air missile batteries designed to protect critical Iranian locations, four S-300 missile batteries, and facilities involved in the production of ballistic missile fuel.
Israeli assessments suggest the strike significantly weakened Iran’s production capabilities, leaving its strategic sites “more exposed than ever” to air attack.
Following the strike, Israeli sources anticipate that Iran may seek to offset the impact by strengthening its foothold in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon. This reinforcement could include the transfer of advanced weaponry and efforts to establish what one defense official described as a “terror army.” Defense officials further noted that while Iran is unlikely to abandon plans for a ground raid, it may consider alternative routes through Syria or Jordan for the Radwan Force’s planned incursion from Lebanon.
Israeli intelligence assessments show that although Iran has enriched more uranium at the 60% level over the past year, it has not yet reached the 90% enrichment level required for a nuclear weapon. This development, however, has expanded Iran’s capacity to reach 90% enrichment quickly, effectively designating it as a nuclear threshold state.
Further assessments from Israeli defense officials indicate that, given Israel’s air force operations in Yemen and Iran and the structure of Iran’s nuclear program, the Israeli Air Force would likely face challenges in achieving high levels of destruction without US support.
BDS stand calling to ‘Free Palestine’ at Dam Square in Amsterdam.
Gangs of Muslim rioters attacked Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv fans who had come to watch their team play against Ajax in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, Thursday night. The attack was preplanned, and local authorities ignored the warnings they received from Israeli security authorities.
Footage from the city shows fans being violently attacked, kicked, and even run over by cars. There were clashes resulting in injuries to Maccabi fans before the game as well. In one case, an Israeli fan was thrown into a canal and forced to say “Free Palestine” until he was released.
Advertisement
<!– Publisher #16: JewishPress.com Zone #123: Comment Banner / (I1) / Local NY Size #15: Banner 468×60 (Comments and Mobile) [468×60] Adhesion: non-closeable with bottom_left placement. Secure (HTTPS): enabled
–>
NOTE: These Twitter videos include expletives. If you are offended, please do not click.
Horrifying scenes in Amsterdam of attempted lynching of Jews by terror supporters. Amsterdam, where are your police?! Jews were beaten by mobs of Arabs and some even jumped into the canals to get away from violent mobs.
Authorities in the Netherlands reported 12 injured people in hospitals and the Foreign Ministry reported seven Israelis who are out of contact, five more Israelis have been hospitalized. The actual number of injured and out-of-contact may be higher.
Testimonies from Amsterdam revealed that Muslims had organized their locations in advance and were hunting down Jews near hotels, casinos, and central locations in the city. There are reports of missing persons, and photos of stolen Israeli passports were circulated online. A total of about 3,000 Israelis flew to the game. Now they are besieged in hotels, fearing being attacked if they go out into the streets.
The Muslims filmed their attacks and published them.
Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) posted: “Two days before the anniversary of Kristallnacht, Jews are once again experiencing antisemitism and vicious attacks in Europe.”
ANTISEMITIC POLICE OFFICERS
“The police were not there at the end of the game, and Muslims were waiting near train stations to follow Israeli fans,” one fan told Kan11 News. “The police only started to intervene at least half an hour to 45 minutes into the attacks, after attackers threw firecrackers at people and into buildings.”
Local police said they protected Israelis and took them to their hotels. Dutch media reported that police had arrested 57 rioters.
In early October, Dutch media revealed that local police chiefs admit to altering duty schedules to accommodate officers with “moral objections” to providing security at Jewish sites, including the National Holocaust Museum. Mireille Beentjes, spokesperson for the national police force leadership, confirmed that the force considers individual objections when arranging assignments.
“There is no strict policy,” she said. “The principle is that police staff are permitted to hold moral objections.”
NOTE: These Twitter videos include expletives. If you are offended, please do not click.
This is what happens when terrorists are allowed into Europe. Tonight, in central Amsterdam, young Jews were attacked by Palestinians, facing attempted lynching. The police were absent or arrived too late. This is happening in the heart of Europe, and it’s only the beginning. In… pic.twitter.com/sAFWjMCUD9
“They waited in groups on every corner, and as soon as they spotted Jews, they chased them,” an Israeli who was there told Kan11. “Others waited near hotels and the casino in larger groups, and they attacked fans there as well. Then others passed by in cars and didn’t stop honking their horns near hotels where there were Israelis.”
“We survived an attempted lynching in Amsterdam by dozens of Arabs who ambushed us outside the train station,” another Israeli said. “It’s scary and crazy”
One Maccabi Tel Aviv fan in Amsterdam told Kan11: “They threw firecrackers outside our hotel and chased fans. We are now inside the hotel, sitting quietly in the dark. For the last half hour, it has been quiet outside, but they keep coming and going. They also threw firecrackers outside our hotel and chased fans. I’m just trying to figure out how to get to the airport tomorrow.”
The attackers are sharing on social media images of passports they stole from their Israeli victims.
Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) posted: “The hysterical and hyperbolic demonization of Israel has led to a global outbreak of antisemitic vitriol, vandalism and violence. The single most monstrous manifestation of antisemitism is a pogrom that is presently unfolding against hundreds of Jews who were cheering on the Tel Aviv football club in Amsterdam.
“Those inciting antisemitism now have the blood of a 21st-century pogrom on their hands. The situation is so dire that the Israeli government is dispatching rescue teams for Jews in danger. I am sick to my stomach that a pogrom is happening in the 21st century.”
The hysterical and hyperbolic demonization of Israel has led to a global outbreak of antisemitic vitriol, vandalism, and violence. The single most monstrous manifestation of antisemitism is a pogrom that is presently unfolding against hundreds of Jews who were cheering on the… pic.twitter.com/xpwcMGZgf8
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who took office only this week, reported that ten Israeli citizens were injured in the violence, advising Israeli nationals in Amsterdam to remain in their hotels as a precaution.
“The impression from the reports is that the situation has been calming down over the past hour,” Sa’ar noted.
Sa’ar also appealed to his Dutch counterpart, Kasper Veldkamp, for assistance in facilitating safe transportation for Israelis from their hotels to the airport, according to a statement from Israel’s Foreign Ministry.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held an assessment with his Military Secretary and the Foreign Minister and is receiving regular updates. The Prime Minister has directed that two rescue planes be sent immediately to assist our citizens.
“The harsh pictures of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked,” the PM said, adding that he views the horrifying incident with the utmost gravity and demands that the Dutch government and security forces take vigorous and swift action against the rioters, and ensure the safety of Israeli citizens.
A Pair of El Al Flights “ELY337” and “ELY5525” have taken from Tel Aviv for Amsterdam, where they will assist in the Evacuation of Israeli Nationals from the Country. pic.twitter.com/plFamf37oS
Israeli UN envoy Danny Danon posted: “We are receiving very disturbing reports of extreme violence against Israelis and Jews on the streets of Holland. There is a pogrom currently taking place in Europe in 2024.
“These are the true faces of the supporters of the radical terrorism we are fighting. The Western world needs to wake up now. This is the time when the United Nations should immediately and clearly condemn the violence of the Palestinians and their supporters. The Dutch authorities must take decisive action against terrorism now.”
We are receiving very disturbing reports of extreme violence against Israelis and Jews on the streets of Holland. There is a pogrom currently taking place in Europe in 2024.
These are the true faces of the supporters of the radical terrorism we are fighting. The western world… pic.twitter.com/LwMC6q1Grf
GLOBAL RESPONSE
Geert Wilders, who head of the largest political party in the Netherlands, demanded that the “multicultural scum” that attacked the Jews be deported.
Looks like a Jew hunt in the streets of Amsterdam. Arrest and deport the multicultural scum that attacked Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters in our streets. Ashamed that this can happen in The Netherlands. Totally unacceptable. https://t.co/Ju54TO27Ks
Deborah Lipstadt, the U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, tweeted, that she was “horrified by the attacks tonight in Amsterdam, which are terribly reminiscent of a classic pogrom.”
Horrified by the attacks tonight in Amsterdam, which are terribly reminiscent of a classic pogrom. I am also deeply disturbed by how long the reported attacks lasted and call on the government to conduct a thorough investigation into security force intervention and on how these…
Jonathan Greenblatt, director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), tweeted that “this is exactly what ‘globalize the intifada’ looks like.
This is exactly what “globalize the intifada” looks like.
Mobs of hate-filled people chasing down and attacking innocent Israeli soccer fans who they have dehumanized as “Zionists,” hunting down and brutalizing ordinary people who came to Amsterdam simply to enjoy a soccer…
The first El Al plane is expected to land around 2 PM (local Holland time). The next will be at 9 PM, and then again on Shabbat at 2 PM. The rescue flights will be free of charge.
A special telephone number for coordinating a seat on the planes has been set up: 03-940-4040. For extraction assistance from hotels or buildings call: 0753452355 (local-Holland number).
“In terrible historical irony, this is happening two days before the anniversary of Kristallnacht in 1938, when Nazi-sanctioned and led pogroms against Jews erupted across the German Reich.”
SARAH MOSKOWITZ
NOVEMBER 8, 2024 09:04Updated: NOVEMBER 8, 2024 09:46
Violent attacks on Israelis within Amsterdam, following a Maccabi Tel Aviv game against Ajax Amsterdam, resulted in several wounded, three people missing, and a warning for Jewish and Israeli people in Amsterdam to shelter in place.
The incident, which prompted multiple emergency evacuation flights back to Israel from the Netherlands and the deployment of an IDF Search and Rescue team to Amsterdam, has drawn criticism from leaders worldwide.
A pogrom in the streets of #Amsterdam. We have become the Gaza of Europe. Muslims with Palestinian flags hunting down Jews. I will NOT accept that. NEVER. The authorities will be held accountable for their failure to protect the Israeli citizens.Never again.
The Prime Minister’s Office said Netanyahu views the “horrifying incident with utmost gravity” and called on the Dutch government and security forces take “vigorous and swift action against the rioters.”
International reactions
Prime Minister Dick Schoof shared on X/Twitter that he had just received a call from Netanyahu regarding the violent incident.
“Completely unacceptable anti-Semitic attacks on Israelis. I am in close contact with all those involved” he said, concluding that the riots had quieted down.
Protesters running after Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam (credit: screenshot)
Dutch Party for Freedom founder and leader Geert Wilders posted, “We have become the Gaza of Europe. Muslims with Palestinian flags hunting down Jews. I will NOT accept that. NEVER. The authorities will be held accountable for their failure to protect the Israeli citizens. Never again.
Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt reacted, “Horrified by the attacks tonight in Amsterdam, which are terribly reminiscent of a classic pogrom.
“In terrible historical irony, this is happening two days before the grim anniversary of Reichspogromnacht in 1938, when Nazi-sanctioned and led pogroms against Jews erupted across the German Reich.”
Melissa Lantsman, who is a Canadian Member of Parliament and a strong advocate for Israel, posted, “The scenes from the streets of Amsterdam tonight are absolutely horrific. This is what “globalize the intifada” looks like.
She warned, “Don’t look the other way. Watch the footage and stand up against this lawless mob there and everywhere.”
US Senator Katie Boyd Britt from Alabama wrote, “It is absolutely despicable to see the blatant attacks on Jews in Amsterdam, many forced to flee for their lives.
After the Holocaust, we said Never Again, yet here we are nearly 80 years later. I am praying for the Jewish people worldwide.”
Elica Le Bon, an Iranian-British lawyer and activist shared her disgust at this level of public antisemitism. “This is the direct result of normalizing antisemitism post-Oct. 7, where the most flagrant acts of Jew-hatred were cast aside as just “bleeding hearts who are against the war.”
“Remind me again how these are all just kind people who care about humanity?”
National Director of the Anti-Defamation League, Jonathan Greenblatt, condemned “the mobs of people hate-filled people chasing down and attacking innocent Israeli soccer fans who they have dehumanized as ‘Zionists’.”
“We demand Dutch authorities do everything necessary to ensure the safety of the Israeli fans, work to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators, and apologize for this obscene, unprovoked violence.”
A ‘new Kristallnacht’
The Combat Antisemitism Movement similarly referred to the Amsterdam attack as a modern-day Kristallnacht.
In a press release, the organization stated, “The difference today is that Jews have the State of Israel as their sanctuary. However, Europe should remember this: Jews won’t wait around like they did in ’39. As they said over eight decades ago, first, they came for the Jews, but it did not end there. It’s time for Europe to get its act together and deal with the new Nazis as it did the old ones.”
