Sa'ar Calls Amsterdam Attacks A Wake-Up Call for Global Action

Newly appointed Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar spoke to journalists on Sunday at a ceremony to mark his official acceptance of his new office, declaring that "delegitimizing Israel translates into dehumanizing every Israeli, every Jew.” Sa'ar, who had just returned from a visit to Amsterdam following Thursday's attacks, described the violence as a "pogrom" and stressed that the rise in anti-Semitic incidents around the world has a clear goal: the destruction of the State of Israel.

The minister emphasized that while old forms of anti-Semitism targeted Jews individually, the new wave of hatred targets the Jewish state, making every Jew a potential target.

During his visit, Sa'ar took immediate action, contacting Dutch officials to seek urgent solutions and ensure that the violence was properly addressed. He stated, "We must demonstrate our commitment to protecting the lives of Israelis and Jews everywhere, and ensure that the world sees how we fight against malignant anti-Semitism."

Rising Antisemitism in Europe: A Dangerous Trend

Sa'ar's comments come as Europe grapples with an alarming rise in anti-Semitic incidents. The minister linked this trend to the international legal proceedings in The Hague, which he believes have contributed to a global environment where Israel is increasingly delegitimized. He also praised the Berlin Regional Court's recent decision to ban the slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” which is commonly associated with calls for the destruction of Israel.

Israel’s Right to Defend Itself: Under Threat

One of the central issues raised by Sa'ar is the ongoing attempt by international courts, particularly the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), to undermine Israel's right to defend itself. Sa'ar pointed out that while Israel’s right to self-defense is enshrined in the UN Charter, both the ICJ and ICC have sought to deny this fundamental right, making Israel's diplomatic position more precarious.

Despite these challenges, Sa'ar remains confident in Israel’s regional and international standing, noting that the country’s achievements, particularly in its fight against the Iranian axis, have made it a crucial player on the world stage.

Diplomatic Challenges and Opportunities

Sa'ar acknowledged the difficult diplomatic period Israel faces but emphasized that this moment also presents an opportunity for a comprehensive reassessment of Israel's diplomatic strategy. He reiterated Israel's desire to expand its circle of peace and normalization with the Arab world, a goal that remains unchanged despite the rising threats.

Solidarity with Minority Groups in the Region

In addition to his comments on anti-Semitism, Sa'ar expressed solidarity with regional minorities, such as the Kurdish and Druze peoples. He described the Kurds as "natural allies" of Israel and stressed the importance of strengthening ties with them, given their oppression at the hands of Iran and Turkey. Similarly, Sa'ar voiced support for the Druze community in Syria, who face ongoing threats from the Assad regime and its allies.

A "High-Risk" Match in Paris: A Reflection of Global Tensions

In a related development, Sa'ar's remarks coincide with heightened security concerns surrounding the France-Israel Nations League match scheduled for Thursday at the Stade de France. The match, which takes place amid rising anti-Semitic violence in Europe, has led to a massive security mobilization in Paris. French authorities have deployed over 4,000 law enforcement officers, with extra measures in place to prevent unrest and violence, particularly in the wake of the events in Amsterdam.

Israel’s National Security Council has issued a warning to Israelis traveling abroad, advising caution in cities with large pro-Palestinian demonstrations, such as Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. In particular, they recommend avoiding mass gatherings, such as sports events, where protesters might target Israelis and Jews.