French authorities mobilized 4,000 police officers to secure Thursday’s Nations League soccer match between Israel and France, following recent unrest linked to the Middle East conflict. The event, held at the Stade de France in Paris, ended in a scoreless draw but was marked by significant protests and minor scuffles, highlighting ongoing tensions.
In the lead-up to the game, Celtic-affiliated groups and other pro-Palestinian activists staged protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Demonstrators outside the stadium waved flags representing Palestine, Lebanon, and Algeria, with banners accusing Israel of genocide. The protests came amidst broader backlash tied to the conflict, with calls for solidarity from Celtic supporters echoing recent demonstrations across Europe.
Inside the stadium, tensions flared when anti-Israel activists jeered during the Israeli national anthem, prompting officials to raise the volume of the loudspeakers to drown out the disruptions. While some clashes occurred between Israeli fans and protesters, security stewards quickly intervened to prevent escalation. Israeli fans, though few in number, made their presence felt by chanting “Free the Hostages,” referring to the ongoing captivity of over 100 Israelis in Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron attended the match, underscoring his administration’s firm stance against antisemitism and violence. “We will never yield to antisemitism or intimidation,” Macron stated, emphasizing France’s commitment to protecting the Israeli team and its supporters. An elite police unit provided round-the-clock security for the Israeli delegation, a move praised as “extraordinary” by Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Ran Ben Simon.
Macron’s presence also aimed to mitigate growing diplomatic strains between France and Israel. While initially supportive of Israel’s right to self-defense after Hamas’s October 7 attacks, Macron has voiced increasing criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. This shift has sparked tensions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, complicating relations amidst an already volatile political landscape.