BTN News: France’s Interior Minister has confirmed that Israeli athletes will receive around-the-clock protection during the Paris Olympics, following a call for protests by a far-left lawmaker against their participation. This announcement comes amid heightened security concerns and geopolitical tensions, particularly due to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
The Paris Olympics, set to begin on Friday, are taking place in a tense global climate. The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has intensified political divisions in France. Some pro-Palestinian critics have accused the French far-left of crossing the line into anti-Semitism. The issue has become a focal point for debates on security and international relations in the run-up to the Games.
In a television interview on Sunday, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin assured that Israeli athletes would be safeguarded continuously throughout the event. This promise of protection comes 52 years after the tragic Munich Olympic massacre, where 11 Israeli athletes were killed by Palestinian militants. The French government is determined to prevent any similar incidents.
French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné reinforced this message, welcoming the Israeli delegation and emphasizing France’s commitment to their safety. Speaking at a meeting of EU counterparts in Brussels on Monday, Séjourné said, “I would like to say on behalf of France, to the Israeli delegation, that we welcome them to France for these Olympic Games.” He also mentioned plans to reiterate this commitment in a phone call with his Israeli counterpart.
The controversy was sparked by far-left LFI MP Thomas Portes, who declared at a pro-Gaza rally that Israeli athletes were not welcome in France and called for protests against their participation. His comments, captured in videos shared on social media, drew both support and criticism. Manuel Bompard, a senior LFI official, defended Portes, arguing that Israel’s violations of international law justified calls for its athletes to compete under a neutral flag.
In response to security concerns, the memorial service for the Israeli athletes killed in the 1972 Munich bombing has been relocated from outside Paris City Hall to the Israeli embassy. The embassy cited a request from French authorities, noting that the original location was within a restricted security zone ahead of the Olympics.
The Paris Olympics will feature an ambitious opening ceremony along the Seine River, with athletes parading on barges. Participation in this event is optional, and Israeli authorities have not confirmed whether their athletes will join.
As the Games approach, France is balancing the celebration of international sportsmanship with the need for heightened security. The promise of protection for Israeli athletes underscores the complexities and challenges of hosting such a significant global event in today’s politically charged environment.
