Paris is preparing for heightened security at Thursday’s France-Israel international football match, following violent clashes last week in Amsterdam involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans. Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez confirmed that 4,000 officers will be on duty, with 2,500 stationed at the Stade de France and the remainder monitoring public transport and other areas of the capital.
An additional 1,600 private security guards will be deployed at the stadium, and an elite anti-terrorist unit will be assigned to protect the Israeli team. Nuñez emphasized that the match is considered high-risk due to the current geopolitical tensions, vowing to prevent any disruptions to public order.
Tensions Following Violence in Amsterdam
The UEFA Nations League match is under intense scrutiny after violence erupted in Amsterdam last Thursday when Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were targeted by rioters following a match against Ajax. The violence included vandalism, anti-Arab slogans, and attacks on local property, with Maccabi fans also involved in tearing down a Palestinian flag and engaging in confrontations.
The unrest has heightened concerns over the potential for violence to spread across Europe, especially in countries like France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, which have large Muslim populations alongside smaller Jewish communities that strongly identify with Israel.
Limited Israeli Fan Attendance
The Stade de France, which can hold up to 80,000 spectators, will be significantly underfilled, with only about a quarter of the seats expected to be occupied. Due to security concerns and advice from the Israeli government, no more than 100 Israeli fans are anticipated to attend the game, although other supporters of Israel may still be present.
Political Leaders Show Solidarity with Jews in Europe
In light of the Amsterdam violence, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced he will attend the match to show solidarity with European Jews. He will be joined by Prime Minister Michel Barnier and former French Presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy.
Security Measures and Precautions
Security measures around the stadium are expected to be tight, with fans warned to expect identity checks. Bars and restaurants in the area have been instructed to close in the afternoon leading up to the match. The Stade de France has previously been the site of significant unrest, including during the 2022 UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid. However, recent large events, including the Rugby World Cup and the Paris Olympics, have been staged without incident.
Calls to Cancel the Match
Amid the ongoing unrest, France’s far-left political party, France Unbowed (LFI), has called for the match to be canceled, or at least for President Macron to reconsider his attendance. LFI deputy David Guiraud condemned Macron’s planned appearance, accusing Israel of committing genocide, a claim Israel has vehemently denied.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau rejected the idea of canceling or relocating the match, stating that France would not “give way to those who sow hatred.”
Tensions Between Macron and Netanyahu
The political situation between France and Israel has grown increasingly strained in recent weeks. Macron’s accusations of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “spreading barbarism” in Gaza and Lebanon have led to tensions. Additionally, Macron’s remarks about Netanyahu’s failure to heed UN calls for a ceasefire, citing Israel’s founding by a UN decision, were perceived as an insult by many Israelis.
The relationship between France and Israel has also been complicated by incidents such as the brief detention of two French officials by Israeli authorities in East Jerusalem, a site under French administration.
Protests and Clashes in Paris
Ahead of the match, pro-Palestinian activists and anti-racist groups have staged protests in Paris. The demonstrations, some of which clashed with police, included protests at McDonald’s on Boulevard Montmartre. The protests are a reflection of the broader tension surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
