France will host Israel in a Nations League football match at the Stade de France on Thursday under heavy security following recent incidents in Amsterdam.
Paris police have declared the event “high risk,” prompting extensive measures to ensure public safety.
A total of 4,000 police officers will be deployed in Paris and around the Stade de France for the match, with an additional 1,600 civilian security personnel on duty.
For the first time, police units will also be stationed inside the stadium, which is typically staffed by civilian security. An elite police unit will provide protection for the Israeli team during transit.
Fewer than 20,000 spectators are expected to attend, far below the stadium’s 80,000 capacity, partly due to heightened security concerns. Only about 150 Israeli fans are anticipated, and they will be transported to the venue by bus to avoid potential confrontations.
The heightened security comes after violent clashes in Amsterdam last week when Israeli football supporters were attacked following a match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema described the incident as fueled by anti-Semitic sentiment, exacerbated by reports of Maccabi fans burning a Palestinian flag.
President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Michel Barnier will be present at the match, aiming to show solidarity and address recent diplomatic tensions between France and Israel. Macron’s attendance follows an incident in Jerusalem where Israeli police briefly detained French officials, sparking controversy.
A few French lawmakers have called for the match to be postponed or relocated, but French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau dismissed the idea, stating that canceling would signal a retreat in the face of threats.
