High-Risk France-Israel Football Match Under Heavy Security Measures
As the much-anticipated football match between France and Israel approaches, authorities are on high alert due to rising tensions and security threats. Paris police prefect Laurent Nuñez has labeled the event a "high-risk match," emphasizing that it has been identified as sensitive for a considerable time. The match, set to kick off at 8:45 PM at the Stade de France, will see an unprecedented deployment of security personnel, with 4,000 police officers and gendarmes mobilized to ensure safety.
Nuñez confirmed that there have been "calls to disrupt" the match circulating on social media, prompting a comprehensive security plan that includes both uniformed and plainclothes officers. The police presence will extend beyond the stadium, with patrols ensuring the safety of spectators traveling to and from the venue. Despite the heightened security, Nuñez has encouraged fans to attend, contrasting with Israeli authorities' advisories against travel to the match.
Rising Anti-Semitic Threats and Public Sentiment
The backdrop to this match is a significant increase in anti-Semitic incidents in France, which have quadrupled since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. According to the Ministry of the Interior, Jews, who make up less than 1% of the French population, are disproportionately affected, accounting for 57% of racist attacks. This alarming trend has led to heightened fears among the Jewish community, particularly in light of recent anti-Semitic demonstrations and threats.
Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, acknowledged the "anxiety-provoking context" surrounding the match. He stated that relocating the event was never considered, as playing at the Stade de France was deemed essential for optimizing security. However, ticket sales have been disappointing, with fewer than 20,000 sold for a venue that can accommodate 80,000, partly due to security concerns and the absence of star player Kylian Mbappé.
In response to the rising tensions, the French government has also allowed a pro-Palestinian rally to proceed, albeit with restrictions on its location to ensure safety near the stadium. This decision reflects the delicate balance authorities must maintain between upholding the right to protest and ensuring public safety during a volatile period.
As the match draws near, the atmosphere remains tense, with both security forces and the public on edge, aware that any incident could have far-reaching implications.
