France Bolsters Security for Israel's Olympic Soccer Match Amid Rising Tensions

France deployed hundreds of police officers to secure Israel's opening Olympic soccer match against Mali, marking a significant security test before the official opening ceremony. The event occurs amid pronounced security concerns and geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Israel's war in Gaza. Israeli athletes will receive 24-hour protection throughout the Games.

France deployed hundreds of police officers to secure Israel's opening Olympic soccer match against Mali on Wednesday, a first security test ahead of the Games' official opening ceremony. Fans from both teams downplayed the political context surrounding the match. The Paris 2024 Summer Games take place amid pronounced security concerns and heightened geopolitical tensions, including over Israel's ongoing conflict in Gaza. Israeli competitors will be escorted by elite tactical units to and from events and provided 24-hour protection throughout the Olympics, officials said.

As thousands of fans arrived for the evening kick-off, police officers cordoned off the streets around the Parc des Princes in western Paris, establishing a security perimeter several kilometers from the stadium. "The protection systems for the Israeli delegation, their teams, the referees, and the members of the Olympic committee are all in place," Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told Le Parisien newspaper.

Some 1,000 security personnel, similar to the numbers deployed for a recent UEFA Champions League match, are being used. Israel's internal security service, Shin Bet, will also assist, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog attending the game. Israel's budget for athlete protection has significantly increased compared to the Tokyo Games in 2021, highlighting the heightened concerns. "It's complicated. We are in the middle of a war," said Orien Mien, who had traveled from Jerusalem. "But the security situation is great, and we will win."

(With inputs from agencies.)