As France prepares to host Israel in a much-anticipated football match, Paris authorities are ramping up security measures, deploying thousands of police officers and private security personnel. The decision comes in the wake of violent incidents that occurred in Amsterdam during a recent match.
High Security Measures for France-Israel Football Match Amid Rising Tensions
High Security Measures for France-Israel Football Match Amid Rising Tensions
In response to escalating tensions and recent violence, Paris implements comprehensive security for the upcoming match.
This Thursday, France will face Israel in a UEFA Nations League match at the Stade de France, and Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez has classified the game as a "high-risk match" due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. Following a violent clash involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam—where they were reportedly attacked—police are determined to prevent any similar incidents in Paris.
A total of 4,000 officers will patrol the city, with about 2,500 stationed at the stadium and the remainder focusing on public transport and surrounding areas. Alongside police efforts, approximately 1,600 private security guards will oversee event safety while an elite anti-terror unit will safeguard the Israeli team.
The match is generating heightened scrutiny amid concerns of rising antisemitism in Europe, particularly following the violent events in Amsterdam that saw Israeli supporters targeted. In a parliamentary address, President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with Jewish communities by attending the clash, alongside Prime Minister Michel Barnier and former presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy.
Expected attendance will be significantly reduced due to safety concerns; the stadium's 80,000-seat capacity will only be filled to 25% with an estimated 100 Israeli fans set to attend amid government advisories.
Local bars and restaurants have been instructed to close early as fans prepare for identity checks upon arrival. France's political climate has fueled calls to cancel the game entirely, particularly from the left-leaning party France Unbowed, though officials have rejected these demands.
Despite the broader socio-political ambiance surrounding the match, France remains resolute in its approach, with Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau emphasizing a firm stance against any form of hatred. Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian groups have organized protests coinciding with the game, reflecting the increasing polarisation on the issue.
As Macron navigates the complex diplomatic waters between Israel and its Middle Eastern neighbors, expectations surrounding the match have amplified tensions within and outside the stadium.
A total of 4,000 officers will patrol the city, with about 2,500 stationed at the stadium and the remainder focusing on public transport and surrounding areas. Alongside police efforts, approximately 1,600 private security guards will oversee event safety while an elite anti-terror unit will safeguard the Israeli team.
The match is generating heightened scrutiny amid concerns of rising antisemitism in Europe, particularly following the violent events in Amsterdam that saw Israeli supporters targeted. In a parliamentary address, President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with Jewish communities by attending the clash, alongside Prime Minister Michel Barnier and former presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy.
Expected attendance will be significantly reduced due to safety concerns; the stadium's 80,000-seat capacity will only be filled to 25% with an estimated 100 Israeli fans set to attend amid government advisories.
Local bars and restaurants have been instructed to close early as fans prepare for identity checks upon arrival. France's political climate has fueled calls to cancel the game entirely, particularly from the left-leaning party France Unbowed, though officials have rejected these demands.
Despite the broader socio-political ambiance surrounding the match, France remains resolute in its approach, with Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau emphasizing a firm stance against any form of hatred. Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian groups have organized protests coinciding with the game, reflecting the increasing polarisation on the issue.
As Macron navigates the complex diplomatic waters between Israel and its Middle Eastern neighbors, expectations surrounding the match have amplified tensions within and outside the stadium.
