Israel has advised fans to steer clear of the Nations League match between France and Israel on Thursday, citing security risks after violent clashes in Amsterdam last week during a game with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Despite increased security, including the deployment of 4,000 gendarmes and elite police around the Stade de France, the National Security Council warned Israelis of potential threats and recommended avoiding displays of Jewish or Israeli symbols.
Paris police chief Laurent Nunez labelled the event “high risk,” adding that President Emmanuel Macron will attend to send a message of fraternity and solidarity. The recent violence in Amsterdam, which led to over 60 arrests and injured numerous people, drew international condemnation, with global leaders including US President Joe Biden decrying the violence.
Israeli right-wing group Betar announced plans for an anti-Semitism protest before the match, and Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is expected at a pro-Israel gala in Paris, an event approved by Nunez but denounced by several French left-wing groups.
