Paris police have announced that a significant security presence will be in place for the upcoming France-Israel soccer match, with 4,000 officers and 1,600 stadium staff set to be deployed. The heightened security measures come in the wake of recent violence against Israeli fans in Amsterdam, prompting concerns about potential risks associated with the match.
The match between France and Israel, scheduled for Thursday as part of the UEFA Nations League, has been identified as a high-risk event by authorities. Paris police chief emphasized the need for strict security protocols to prevent any incidents during the game.
To ensure safety, a total of 2,500 police officers will be stationed around the Stade de France stadium, with an additional 1,500 deployed in Paris and on public transportation routes. An anti-terrorist security perimeter will be established around the stadium, and security checks will be intensified, including thorough pat-downs and bag searches.
French authorities have been collaborating with Israeli counterparts to coordinate security measures for the match. This collaboration aims to preempt any potential security threats and ensure the safety of all attendees.
The security measures come in response to an incident in Amsterdam where Israeli fans were attacked by a group of individuals incited by social media calls targeting Jewish people. The violence resulted in injuries to several individuals and led to multiple arrests. The antisemitic nature of the attacks was strongly condemned by authorities in Amsterdam, Israel, and across Europe.
In the aftermath of the violence, Dutch police took action against individuals participating in a banned demonstration in central Amsterdam. Despite the challenges, French Interior Minister affirmed that the France-Israel match would proceed as planned, emphasizing the importance of upholding universal values through sports.
