NEWS
NEWS

High-risk match between France and Israel overshadowed by Amsterdam incidents

Updated

Bezalel Smotrich, the controversial Israeli Minister of Finance, was scheduled to attend an event by a far-right organization in Paris just before, further escalating tensions

Bezalel Smotrich, the current Israeli Minister of Finance, waving a flag of his country at an ultra-Orthodox celebration three years ago.
Bezalel Smotrich, the current Israeli Minister of Finance, waving a flag of his country at an ultra-Orthodox celebration three years ago.AP

The police have classified it as a high-risk encounter, with 4,000 officers deployed and security protocols reinforced. "Israeli fans are welcome in Paris." The European Affairs Minister, Benjamin Haddad, encouraged Israeli fans to attend today's match against the French team without fear.

The match will take place at the France stadium in Saint Denis, a week after the incidents in Amsterdam during the Maccabi vs. Ajax match, which resulted in injuries and over 60 arrests. These clashes led the French government to reconsider holding this match. Israel sent two planes to repatriate the fans who were in Amsterdam. "When a Jew is attacked in France, France and the Republic are attacked," stated Benjamin Haddad. The country has the largest Jewish community in Europe, and since the conflict in the Middle East began, anti-Semitic attacks have surged.

The match takes place amidst controversy sparked by the visit of Israeli Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, to Paris the day before the France-Israel match. He was supposed to participate in a gala event organized by Israel Forever, an organization considered close to the far-right.

Some left-wing politicians and pro-Palestinian organizations had been calling for its cancellation for days. However, the police prefect, Laurent Nuñez, had rejected this, stating there was "no imminent threat." Pressure mounted, and his spokesperson announced that he would ultimately not be present.

A few days ago, several French personalities of Jewish origin denounced in a column in Le Monde the visit of the controversial minister, who stated last Monday that "Gaza and the West Bank will forever be taken from the Palestinians." He welcomed Trump's victory in the US because it "represents an important opportunity" to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state that would "endanger Israel's existence."

The "high-risk" match on Thursday between both teams takes place on the ninth anniversary of the November 13 attacks in Paris. The series of attacks began at the Stade de France, where then-President, François Hollande, was attending a sports event. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau revealed that there was consideration to change the venue and hold the France-Israel match at PSG's Parc des Princes stadium, but this was dismissed as security could be ensured in Saint Denis. "We will not surrender to threats from violent and anti-Semitic individuals," he said.

President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Michel Barnier will attend the match to set an example and convey a sense of calm. The president's presence is not usually a source of calm, as he has recently been booed and jeered as if he were a football player.

Despite the French government's messages, Tel Aviv has advised its citizens living abroad not to attend the football match. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has had several disagreements with Macron in recent weeks, believing that Macron's support for Israel is not strong enough.