As the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris approach, concerns about the security of Israeli athletes have intensified due to ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas. In light of threats reportedly issued by supporters of Hamas, Israel has decided to take significant measures to ensure the safety of its athletes and staff during the Games.
Israel is reportedly sending armed agents from its Shin Bet intelligence agency to Paris to provide protection for its Olympic delegation. This decision follows comments made by Thomas Portes, a politician from the left-wing party La France Insoumise, who stated that “Israeli athletes are not welcome at the Olympics” and called for their exclusion. These remarks have heightened fears of potential attacks on Israeli athletes, reminiscent of the tragic Munich massacre during the 1972 Summer Olympics.
Lior Akerman, a former officer with Shin Bet, explained that the Israeli security personnel would be equipped with advanced weapons and technology. “Of course, it is not possible to go into detail about the security methods, but the combination of Israeli experience and knowledge together with the cooperation with local security forces, provides an excellent and complete answer to the security of the delegation,” Akerman stated.Â
Despite the controversial comments from Portes, French authorities have stated that they are committed to working with the Israeli security team to safeguard all participants in the Olympics. France is implementing extensive security measures, including making Paris a no-fly zone at certain times to prevent any aerial threats. The city will be under tight security lockdown to deter any form of terrorism and ensure the safety of athletes from all participating nations.
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