French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced that Israeli athletes would receive 24-hour protection during the Paris Olympics following comments from a lawmaker who said Israel’s delegation was not welcome and called for protests against their participation.
The Games, starting on Friday, face significant security concerns amid heightened geopolitical tensions due to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Israel’s conflict with Hamas, which has severely impacted Gaza, has become a contentious issue among France’s left, with some critics accusing pro-Palestinian members of antisemitism.
In a TV interview, Darmanin confirmed the round-the-clock protection for Israeli athletes, citing the importance of their safety 52 years after the Munich Olympics massacre, where 11 Israelis were killed by Palestinian militants.
French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, speaking to European Union counterparts in Brussels, extended a welcome to the Israeli delegation and assured their security during the Olympic Games. He emphasized these points in an upcoming call with his Israeli counterpart.
Meanwhile, Thomas Portes, a lawmaker from the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, was recorded at a pro-Gaza rally stating that Israeli Olympic athletes were not welcome in France and advocated for protests against their participation. The French government dismissed these remarks and reaffirmed its commitment to Israel’s participation in the Games.
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