France boosts security for Israel match as violence flares in Paris

France has ramped up security measures ahead of Thursday's Uefa Nations League match between France and Israel following violent clashes involving Israeli football fans in Amsterdam last week.

The match, set to take place at the Stade de France in Paris, will be closely monitored by approximately 4,000 officers, nearly double the usual security presence for an international fixture.

In addition to the 2,500 officers at the stadium, nearly 1,600 stadium staff will be deployed to ensure safety. A dedicated anti-terrorist police unit will also be assigned to secure the visiting Israeli squad.

On the eve of the match, protests broke out in central Paris against a gala organised to raise funds for the Israeli military.

Several hundred protesters marched through the streets, denouncing the event as a “gala of hatred and shame,” particularly due to the planned attendance of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

French police chief Laurent Nuñez described the Israel-France as a “high-risk match” that is set against an “extremely tense geopolitical context.” He emphasised that authorities would take a strong stance against any attempts to disrupt public order, stating, “We will not allow any attempt to disturb public order.”

Despite the heightened security, attendance at the Stade de France is expected to be low. Only about 20,000 of the stadium's 80,000 seats are anticipated to be filled, as many fans are discouraged by the risk of unrest.

The decision to boost security follows violent incidents involving supporters of the Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam during its match against Ajax last week, which left five people hospitalised. In response, French authorities have been in constant communication with Israeli security forces to ensure the safety of all attendees at the game.

In a gesture of "fraternity and solidarity" following the violence in Amsterdam, French President Emmanuel Macron said he would attend the match.

The Élysée Palace confirmed that Macron’s presence was not only to support the French team but also to send a message of solidarity with the Jewish community after the antisemitic attacks on Jewish fans in the Netherlands.

The French president’s attendance comes amid growing concerns for the safety of Jewish fans and Israeli citizens attending the match.

In response to the violence in Amsterdam and the heightened security concerns, Israeli authorities have advised their citizens to refrain from attending the match. Israeli officials have also urged people to avoid displaying "recognisable Israeli or Jewish symbols" in public spaces.

On Sunday, Israel's National Security Council issued a warning, identifying several European cities, including Paris, as potential hotspots for anti-Israel violence ahead of the match. The warning follows similar alerts in cities including Brussels and London, where groups hostile to Israel are believed to have planned protests or attacks.