Paris is preparing for high security for the France-Israel football international match scheduled for Thursday, deploying over 4,000 police officers to reinforce public safety due to the heightened tensions following violence involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam. Police Chief Laurent Nuñez emphasized the significance of the match, labeling it a “high-risk” scenario because of the current geopolitical climate. With an additional 1,600 private security personnel set to monitor the Stade de France and an elite anti-terrorism unit assigned to protect the Israeli team, authorities are taking no chances regarding public order.
The response comes after a several incidents of violence last week where Maccabi fans were attacked following a UEFA match in the Netherlands. The match in Paris is expected to see a reduced attendance, as advised by the Israeli government, limiting the number of Israeli fans to around 100 amid fears for their safety. Observing the circumstances, European politicians have expressed their concerns about a resurgence of antisemitism, particularly in light of the recent riots.
Amid these developments, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced his attendance at the match to show solidarity with the Jewish community in Europe. He will be accompanied by several high-profile political figures. Security measures at the match will include extensive identity checks for supporters, and local establishments in the vicinity have been instructed to cease operations ahead of the game.
The match was also met with dissent from France’s far-left political faction, France Unbowed (LFI), which has called for either the cancellation of the event or for President Macron to withdraw. While Macron's government has firmly declared that the match will proceed, conflicting views on Israel’s actions persist among France’s political landscape, escalating tensions in Franco-Israeli relations.
With the historical context adding weight to the atmosphere, France and Israel are currently engaged in the UEFA Nations League alongside Italy and Belgium. Their previous encounter in Budapest resulted in a significant 4-1 victory for France, but the forthcoming match promises to be laden with greater stakes beyond the scoreline, amplified by the presence of protests and political undercurrents surrounding this sensitive period.
