Paris authorities are ramping up security for Thursday’s UEFA Nations League match between France and Israel, following recent violent incidents targeting Israeli fans in Amsterdam. In response to the rising tensions, authorities will deploy 4,000 police officers and 1,600 stadium staff to ensure the safety of the event, both at the Stade de France and across public transportation networks.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to attend the match, which has been labeled a “high-risk event” by Paris police due to the current climate of unrest. The Paris Police Prefecture’s chief, Laurent Nuñez, emphasized the serious concerns surrounding the match, stating that authorities would not tolerate any form of violence.
“Given the context and tensions, we must ensure full security,” Nuñez told French broadcaster BFM TV. “The match is high-risk, and we are taking all necessary measures to protect the public.”
To safeguard the Stade de France, authorities will station 2,500 police officers at the stadium, while they will deploy an additional 1,500 officers throughout the city and on public transport. In addition, authorities will establish a heightened anti-terrorism security perimeter around the venue, conducting increased security checks, including mandatory pat-downs and bag searches.
The increased security follows violent clashes in Amsterdam over the weekend, where groups of youths allegedly assaulted Israeli soccer fans. The attacks reportedly stemmed from social media calls targeting Jewish individuals after a soccer match. In a separate incident on Monday, dozens of people armed with sticks and firecrackers set a tram on fire in Amsterdam, escalating tensions in the city. Riot police quickly intervened, extinguishing the fire and clearing the area.
Although it is unclear if these events directly connect, the violence contributes to the overall unrest following clashes during the Maccabi Tel Aviv-Ajax game last Thursday. That match resulted in five hospitalizations and dozens of arrests, with groups of youths assaulting Israeli fans before fleeing the scene.
As a precaution, Israel’s National Security Council issued a warning to its citizens abroad, advising them to avoid sports and cultural events in high-risk areas, including the upcoming match in Paris. Authorities are urging vigilance against potential violent acts disguised as demonstrations.
Dutch police have made significant progress in their investigation into the violence, announcing five new arrests on Monday. The suspects, ranging from 18 to 37 years old, are all from Amsterdam and nearby cities. Four of the suspects remain in custody, while authorities have released the fifth, although they are still investigating him.
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