A massive security deployment is planned for Thursday’s UEFA Nations League match between France and Israel, following violent attacks on Israeli fans in Amsterdam last week, The Associated Press reports.
Paris police will deploy 4,000 officers and 1,600 stadium staff to secure the Stade de France and surrounding areas, with French President Emmanuel Macron expected to attend the match.
The heightened security comes after Israeli fans were assaulted by a large group of young people in Amsterdam, prompting condemnation as antisemitic by authorities across Europe. The attacks occurred after calls on social media targeted Jewish people.
“There’s a context, tensions that make that match a high-risk event for us,” said Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez, adding that authorities “won’t tolerate” any violence.
An anti-terrorist security perimeter will be established around the Stade de France, with security checks including systematic pat-downs and bag searches. French authorities are coordinating with Israeli security forces to prepare for the match.
Israel’s National Security Council has issued a warning to citizens abroad to avoid sporting and cultural events, specifically the match in Paris, due to concerns over possible violent attacks “under the pretense of demonstrations.”
Despite the concerns, French authorities are determined to see the match proceed as planned.
President Macron’s attendance at the match is seen as a show of support for the French team and a message of solidarity against antisemitism following the attacks in Amsterdam.
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