Security Strains and Geopolitical Tensions: Israel's Olympics Soccer Opener vs. Mali

France will deploy hundreds of police officers to secure Israel's opening Olympic soccer match against Mali amid pronounced security concerns and heightened geopolitical tensions. Israeli athletes will receive 24-hour protection. The Paris 2024 Games take place against the backdrop of Israel's war in Gaza and calls for its exclusion from the event.

France plans to deploy hundreds of police officers to secure Israel's opening Olympic soccer match against Mali on Wednesday, posing a first significant security test ahead of the official opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Summer Games.

The Games will proceed amid considerable security concerns and rising geopolitical tensions, particularly due to Israel's ongoing conflict in Gaza. Officials confirm that Israeli competitors will be escorted by elite tactical units and receive round-the-clock protection. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin assured, 'Protection systems for the Israeli delegation, their teams, the referees, the members of the Olympic committee, are all in place.'

Darmanin disclosed that 1,000 security personnel would be on duty, equivalent to the numbers deployed for a high-stakes UEFA Champions League match earlier this year. Israel's own Shin Bet security service will also be involved. The Palestinian Olympic Committee and some French lawmakers have called for Israel to be excluded, citing ongoing conflicts, but Israeli officials celebrate the arrival of their 88 athletes as a 'victory.'

(With inputs from agencies.)