France-Israel UEFA Match on High Alert: Paris Police to Deploy 4000 Officers as Israel Warns Fans to Stay Away
Paris Police to Deploy 4000 Officers as Israel: Security concerns are intensifying ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Nations League clash between France and Israel in Paris, where a major police operation involving 4,000 officers and 1,600 stadium staff will be deployed to protect attendees. French President Emmanuel Macron is set to attend the match at Stade de France, adding a symbolic layer to the event following recent antisemitic violence against Israeli fans in Amsterdam.
Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez stated that 2,500 officers will be stationed around Stade de France, with an additional 1,500 officers on duty across Paris and its transit network. Nuñez noted that strict security measures, including an anti-terrorist perimeter and rigorous bag checks, will be implemented to prevent any disruptions. French organizers are coordinating with Israeli security authorities to mitigate potential risks, particularly after Israeli fans were attacked in Amsterdam last week by groups allegedly responding to social media incitements against Jewish attendees.
Israel’s National Security Council has urged its citizens abroad to steer clear of sports and cultural events due to possible violent demonstrations, specifically advising fans to avoid the Paris match. “The context and tensions make this match a high-risk event,” Nuñez told BFM TV, stressing that law enforcement will not tolerate any violent incidents.
In Amsterdam, tensions ran high as Israeli supporters, seen chanting anti-Arab slogans before the match, were reportedly assaulted. Several demonstrators were later detained, and Dutch authorities condemned the attacks as antisemitic. Following this incident, Macron’s anticipated presence at the Paris match signals his commitment to “fraternity and solidarity” amidst rising security concerns and underscores France’s stand against antisemitism.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau confirmed that the game will proceed, emphasizing the importance of unity through sports. “We must not yield,” he said, reflecting on the recent Paris Olympics, where sports brought together fans worldwide under universal values.
