Israeli authorities are urging fans to avoid attending the upcoming France-Israel soccer match due to concerns over potential violence, following recent clashes in Amsterdam involving an Israeli team. Despite increased security measures and the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron, there are fears that fans could be targeted.
This warning follows violent incidents in Amsterdam last week after a match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dutch club Ajax. The clashes resulted in around two dozen injuries and over 60 arrests, drawing widespread condemnation from Israeli, US, Dutch, and European leaders who labeled the violence as anti-Semitic.
Paris police chief Laurent Nunez described the upcoming France-Israel match as high risk, announcing that 4,000 officers will be deployed around the Stade de France, on public transport, and throughout the city. This large-scale deployment, deemed "unusual" for an international match, will include elite police units assigned to protect the Israeli players.
In Jerusalem, Israel's National Security Council on Sunday advised fans to avoid events involving Israeli participants, emphasizing the upcoming match in Paris. They also recommended avoiding visible Israeli or Jewish symbols in public to reduce potential risks.
The match takes place amid growing tensions and rising incidents of anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim sentiment following the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. French President Emmanuel Macron plans to attend the match as a gesture of fraternity and solidarity after the anti-Semitic incidents in Amsterdam.
In Amsterdam, violence included hit-and-run attacks on Maccabi supporters, reportedly carried out by groups of men on scooters. Some Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were also accused of burning a Palestinian flag and causing property damage, further escalating tensions. Police reported that attackers were mobilized by social media calls targeting Jewish individuals.
The right-wing Jewish group Betar announced plans to stage a protest against anti-Semitism ahead of the match. Betar, a pro-Israel youth organization, also intends to host Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich at a gala in Paris organized by far-right figures. However, police chief Nunez suggested that Smotrich might not attend the event after all.
Due to the recent violence, Israeli authorities have also warned fans against attending other events, including a Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball game in Italy, which concluded without incident. In response to the Amsterdam unrest, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the Mossad to devise a plan to prevent further disturbances at international events involving Israeli teams.
