Intensified Security in France for Israel Match Following Amsterdam Clashes.
Following incidents of violence in Amsterdam, France is preparing for heightened security at an upcoming football match between France and Israel. Authorities in Paris have deemed this a high-risk event, with thousands of officers and specialized security measures in place, given the geopolitical tensions.
Paris Police Chief Laurent Nuñez announced that around 4,000 police officers would be deployed throughout the city, with approximately 2,500 stationed at the Stade de France, where the match will take place. Additional officers are set to oversee public transport and other areas in Paris. An elite anti-terrorist unit has been mobilized to ensure the safety of the Israeli team. In addition, 1,600 private security guards will also be stationed at the stadium.
Nuñez emphasized the importance of maintaining public order and preventing any incidents amid “an extremely tense geopolitical context.” This match is under scrutiny after recent violent clashes in the Netherlands, where fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv were attacked following a game against Ajax.
Due to safety concerns, only a limited number of Israeli fans, no more than 100, are expected to attend the event, with the stadium anticipated to be only a quarter filled.
Last week, a UEFA Nations League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv saw confrontations in the streets of Amsterdam, sparking concerns over potential antisemitic violence. After Israeli fans were reportedly involved in acts of vandalism, including the removal of a Palestinian flag, they became the targets of local rioters. Authorities in Amsterdam described the attacks as coordinated efforts involving groups on foot, scooters, and cars.
Amid ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, concerns are mounting in Europe regarding potential spillovers of regional tensions, especially in nations with significant Muslim and Jewish populations. In light of recent events, European leaders have condemned a perceived resurgence of antisemitism. In response to the Amsterdam incidents, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with European Jewish communities and has committed to attending the game in Paris.
French officials have taken measures to limit public disturbances, advising bars and restaurants near the Stade de France to close early on game day. Enhanced security measures, including identity checks for attendees, are also in place to maintain order.
Amid these preparations, political voices within France have sparked debate on the match’s legitimacy. The left-leaning France Unbowed (LFI) party, which has shown support for Palestinian causes, called for the game’s cancellation and urged President Macron to reconsider his attendance. A representative from LFI criticized Macron’s decision, asserting that attending the match would symbolically endorse Israeli policies in Gaza. Israel, however, has firmly refuted allegations against its actions as mischaracterizations.
In contrast, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau declared that canceling or relocating the event is not an option, reaffirming that France would not yield to groups inciting division or hatred. According to him, standing by the match signals France’s commitment to free expression and resilience.
The France-Israel matchup falls within the broader UEFA Nations League framework, where France recently triumphed over Israel in their previous match in Budapest with a score of 4-1.
Tensions flared again in Paris on the eve of the match, following the approval of a pro-Israeli event featuring notable figures from Israel. While an Israeli minister was initially expected to attend in person, he later opted to join via video link. The event prompted large-scale protests by pro-Palestinian and anti-racist groups, with clashes breaking out near a popular Parisian boulevard. Police were compelled to use tear gas in response to demonstrators who damaged property in the area.
Relations between President Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have been notably strained amid these developments. Macron recently condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, urging Netanyahu to heed international calls for a ceasefire. Israeli authorities interpreted Macron’s comments as undermining the nation’s historical struggle for sovereignty.
In response, French officials were reportedly frustrated when two of their diplomats were briefly detained by Israeli security at a site in East Jerusalem under French jurisdiction.
Observers have noted that Macron’s approach to Middle Eastern diplomacy appears inconsistent, fluctuating between vocal support for Israel and aligning with its neighboring countries. This shift has led to criticism both domestically and internationally as Macron navigates the complexities of the region’s longstanding disputes.
