Heightened Security for France-Israel Football Match Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Paris is preparing for a high-stakes international football match between France and Israel, with unprecedented security measures in place following recent violence against Israeli fans in Amsterdam. Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez has deployed 4,000 officers, with 2,500 stationed at the Stade de France and the remainder monitoring public transport and the city center.
The match comes in the wake of a troubling incident in Amsterdam, where Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were attacked, and the fans themselves were involved in vandalism, including tearing down a Palestinian flag and chanting anti-Arab slogans. This event has raised concerns about potential tensions spreading to the Paris match.
The stadium, which typically holds 80,000 people, will be only a quarter full. Following advice from the Israeli government, approximately 100 Israeli fans are expected to attend. The match is taking place against a backdrop of significant geopolitical tension, with European countries like France, Belgium, and the Netherlands having large Muslim populations alongside smaller Jewish communities.
In a show of solidarity, President Emmanuel Macron will attend the match, accompanied by Prime Minister Michel Barnier and former presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy. However, the match has not been without controversy. France’s far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party has called for the match to be cancelled, with deputy David Guiraud stating, “We do not want our head of state honouring a country that commits genocide.” Israel has firmly denied these allegations.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has insisted the match will proceed, declaring, “France does not give way to those who sow hatred.” Additional security measures include identity checks for supporters and the closure of local bars and restaurants from the afternoon of the match.
The match is part of the Uefa Nations League, with France and Israel in the same group alongside Italy and Belgium. In their previous encounter in Budapest, France defeated Israel 4-1.
The event occurs against a backdrop of strained diplomatic relations between Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Macron recently accused Netanyahu of “spreading barbarism” in Gaza and Lebanon, and made controversial comments about Israel’s founding that were interpreted as insulting by some Jewish communities.
Pro-Palestinian and anti-racist organizations are planning demonstrations in Paris to coincide with the match. A pre-match “gala” event was also planned, with speculation about the potential attendance of Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich.
The Stade de France, which previously experienced a dangerous breakdown in law and order during the 2022 Uefa Champions League final, has since successfully hosted the Rugby World Cup and is preparing for the Paris Olympics, adding to the significance of maintaining order during this sensitive match.
