Information
Ahead of a Nations League match between Israel and France in Paris, French authorities are implementing extensive security measures to prevent potential violence. The police chief announced a deployment of 4,000 officers in the capital, especially near the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, with an additional 1,500 assigned to public transport. Security concerns have heightened following recent incidents in Amsterdam, where Israeli fans faced violent attacks and engaged in provocations during a match involving Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax. This prompted Amsterdam authorities to ban pro-Palestinian protests and led French police to prepare for a similar threat environment. With an elite unit assigned to protect the Israeli team and 1,600 civilian personnel at the stadium, officials are striving to prevent further conflict.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau noted a reduced crowd is expected at the match, with about 13,000 spectators anticipated, down from an earlier estimate of 25,000. The security response follows warnings from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who cited intelligence about possible threats to Israeli citizens in Europe, including in France, amid rising tensions. The French police have expressed zero tolerance for any violence and are coordinating efforts to ensure the event proceeds without incident.
Source: AFP, AP
So what
As there have already been reports of clashes with police even before the day of the match and Paris’s affinity with rioting, it is highly likely that riots will occur around the match. However, it is unlikely they will descend into a similar level of lawlessness as French police are very experienced in dealing with these types of incidents. Additionally, it is likely that Israel has deployed its security services to ensure the protection of its citizens, even if they have not officially informed the French.
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