Paris police have announced a significant security deployment for the upcoming France-Israel soccer match, with 4,000 officers and 1,600 stadium staff set to be on duty. This measure comes in the wake of recent violence against Israeli fans in Amsterdam, prompting heightened security measures in and around the stadium as well as on public transportation.
The match, part of the UEFA Nations League, is scheduled for Thursday and will be attended by French President Emmanuel Macron. The Elysee presidential palace confirmed his presence at the event.
Israel's National Security Council has issued a warning to its citizens abroad, advising them to avoid sports and cultural events, particularly singling out the match in Paris due to potential risks of violent attacks under the guise of demonstrations.
Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez emphasized the high-risk nature of the event, stating that authorities will not tolerate any violence. A total of 2,500 police officers will be stationed around the Stade de France stadium, with an additional 1,500 deployed in Paris and on public transportation.
Nuñez highlighted the implementation of an anti-terrorist security perimeter around the stadium, along with reinforced security checks including pat-downs and bag searches. French organizers have been in close coordination with Israeli authorities and security forces to ensure preparedness for the match.
Recent incidents in Amsterdam saw Israeli fans being assaulted by groups allegedly incited through social media calls to target Jewish individuals. The attacks were condemned as antisemitic by authorities in Amsterdam, Israel, and across Europe. Dutch police detained several individuals for participating in a banned demonstration following the violence.
Despite the security concerns, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau confirmed that the France-Israel match will proceed as planned, emphasizing the importance of not yielding to such acts. Macron's attendance is not only a display of support for the French team but also a gesture of solidarity against the antisemitic acts witnessed in Amsterdam.
