Paris to deploy 4,000 police officers for Israel-France soccer match following violence in Amsterdam

Paris police announced on Sunday that a significant security operation will be in place for the upcoming France-Israel soccer match, with 4,000 officers and 1,600 stadium staff being deployed to ensure safety both inside the stadium and on public transportation. The match, scheduled for Thursday as part of the UEFA Nations League, is considered a high-risk event due to recent tensions and incidents of violence.

According to Paris police chief Laurent Nunez, a total of 2,500 police officers will be stationed around the Stade de France stadium, while an additional 1,500 officers will be deployed in Paris and on public transport routes. Nunez emphasized that authorities will not tolerate any violence during the event and that security measures will be reinforced, including thorough security checks, pat-downs, and bag searches.

In preparation for the match, French organizers have been in communication with Israeli authorities and security forces to coordinate security efforts. This comes in the wake of a disturbing incident in Amsterdam where Israeli fans were attacked by a group of individuals incited by social media calls to target Jewish people. The violent attacks, which left five people injured and resulted in multiple arrests, were widely condemned as antisemitic by authorities in Amsterdam, Israel, and across Europe.

Dutch police took action against individuals participating in a banned demonstration in Amsterdam following the attacks on Israeli fans. Despite the recent violence, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau confirmed that the France-Israel match will proceed as planned, emphasizing the importance of upholding the values of sports and unity in the face of adversity.

As security measures are tightened and preparations are made for the upcoming match, authorities are focused on ensuring the safety of all attendees and maintaining a secure environment both inside the stadium and in the surrounding areas. The collaborative efforts between French and Israeli security forces reflect a commitment to preventing further incidents of violence and maintaining a peaceful and enjoyable sporting event for all involved.