Paris police will deploy 4,000 officers and 1,600 stadium staff for the France-Israel soccer match on November 14, 2024.
The match is considered high-risk due to recent violence against Israeli supporters in Amsterdam Violence.
French President Emmanuel Macron will attend to show support and solidarity against antisemitism.
Enhanced security measures include an anti-terrorist zone, pat-downs, and bag checks.
The Israeli National Security Council warned citizens abroad to avoid large events and stay vigilant.
Following recent violence against Israeli fans in Amsterdam, Paris police will deploy 4,000 officers and 1,600 stadium staff for the France-Israel soccer match on November 14, 2024, deemed high-risk. President Emmanuel Macron will attend to demonstrate support and convey solidarity against antisemitism. Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez highlighted tightened security measures, including an anti-terrorist zone, pat-downs, and bag checks. The Israeli National Security Council issued a warning for citizens to avoid large events and stay cautious of potential violence. Authorities aim to ensure safety and prevent any similar incidents during the match.
Amsterdam Violence
On Sunday (November 10, 2024), Paris police announced that 4,000 officers and 1,600 stadium personnel will be assigned to a France-Israel soccer match to maintain safety within and around the stadium and on public transport after the recent violence against Israeli supporters in Amsterdam.
“The Elysee Presidential palace announced that French President Emmanuel Macron will be present at the UEFA Nations League match on Thursday (November 14, 2024) between France and Israel.”
Israel’s National Security Council issued a warning on Sunday (November 10, 2024) advising citizens overseas to steer clear of sports and cultural events, notably the game in Paris, and to remain vigilant against violent assaults “disguised as protests.”
“According to Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez, there are circumstances and tensions that render that match a high-risk event for us,” he stated on French news network BFM TV, emphasizing that authorities “will not accept” any violence.
Mr. Nuñez stated that 2,500 police officers would be stationed around the Stade de France stadium, located north of the French capital, along with another 1,500 in Paris and on public transport.
“An anti-terrorist security zone will be established around the stadium,” Mr. Nuñez stated. Security measures will be “strengthened,” he mentioned, which will involve regular pat-downs and bag inspections.
Mr. Nuñez stated that French organizers have reached out to Israeli officials and security agencies to get ready for the match. According to Dutch authorities, Israeli fans were attacked last week in Amsterdam after a soccer match by groups of young individuals seemingly incited by social media messages encouraging violence against Jewish people.
Five individuals received treatment at hospitals, and numerous arrests were made following the assaults, which were denounced as antisemitic by officials in Amsterdam, Israel, and throughout Europe. Prior to the match, numerous fans of the Israeli team were observed in footage shouting anti-Arab slogans while making their way to the stadium, accompanied by police.
On Sunday (November 10, 2024), Dutch authorities arrested multiple individuals for participating in a protest in central Amsterdam that was banned after violence directed at Israeli supporters, a local news outlet reported.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau affirmed on Friday that the match between France and Israel would proceed as scheduled. “I believe we have to stand firm for a symbolic purpose; we cannot surrender or quit,” he stated, pointing out that sports enthusiasts globally united for the Paris Olympics this year to honor the “universal values” of athletics.
Mr. Macron’s anticipated presence is not just a display of backing for the French team, but also intends to convey “a message of brotherhood and solidarity after the unacceptable antisemitic incidents that transpired post-match in Amsterdam,” stated an official close to Mr. Macron. The official’s name couldn’t be disclosed following the Elysee’s traditional practices.
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