High security precautions and high-ranking politicians in the stands: The Nations League duel between France and Israel is anything but a normal football game. A week after the attacks on Israeli fans in Amsterdam, French security circles are talking about the most sensitive match of the year, as broadcaster BFMTV reported.
Around 4,000 police officers are expected to ensure the smooth running of the game in Paris on Thursday (8:45 p.m.), and 1,600 security forces alone are on duty at the Stade de France. French head of state Emmanuel Macron wants to set an example there with his visit.
France is also concerned with the principle
Last Friday, just a few hours after the attacks on Israeli supporters on the sidelines of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Europa League away game at Ajax Amsterdam, France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau categorically ruled out rescheduling the international match. “I do not accept this,” the conservative wrote on
Under normal circumstances, the high security precautions would seem excessive with only around 20,000 spectators expected. But after the incidents last week in which, according to Dutch police, 20 to 30 people were injured, the French authorities do not want to take any risks. Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez said on BFMTV: “We will have the means to prevent any disruption of public order – be it at the match, around it or on the paths of spectators.”
MP calls travel warning “crazy announcement”
Nevertheless, Israel’s National Security Council generally called on citizens to exercise caution at events abroad. They should avoid sporting and cultural events outside Israel that involve Israeli teams or artists, Haaretz newspaper reported, citing the Security Council. This warning also applies to the Nations League game in France.
But not all football fans want to heed the warning. The newspaper “Israel Hajom” reported that a group of around 300 Jews and Israel sympathizers wanted to attend the game despite the travel warning. Pro-Israel activist Mélanie Pauli-Geysse told the paper that they would not be intimidated by extremists and would show “that we are not afraid.”
French-born Israeli MP Yossi Taieb said, according to the Maariv newspaper: “I don’t want to say that the information from the security staff should not be followed. But hiding Israeli and Jewish attributes in 2024 and not coming to games is a crazy announcement.” As someone who grew up and lived in France, he feels uncomfortable with that. “I don’t understand why we should hide.” Members of the Jewish community in France intend to go to the stadium.
Distinguished guests from France
While the number of Israeli fans at the Stade de France is likely to be limited, numerous well-known French politicians are expected. President Macron wants to send a message of brotherhood and solidarity through his visit to the site after the anti-Semitic attacks, French media quoted those around him as saying. Prime Minister Michel Barnier and former President Nicolas Sarkozy are also expected to be among the spectators, according to reports.
The targeted attacks on Israeli fans in Amsterdam were condemned as anti-Semitic violence. The Israelis persecuted and mistreated especially pro-Palestinian young people on small motorcycles. A total of 62 people were arrested around the game. Even before the game there had been clashes between Israeli fans and pro-Palestinian Dutch. According to the police, Maccabi supporters also rioted and provoked.
A lot of protection for the Israeli team at the Olympics
The country has already shown during the Olympic Games this summer that France is concerned about the safety of Israeli athletes and fans. Given the heated mood within French society over the Middle East conflict, the Israeli delegation was protected around the clock by French police. An elite unit of the French police will once again ensure the security of the Israeli team.