Israeli athletes would have 24-hour protection during the Paris Olympics, according to the French Interior Minister

Amid calls for protest, France’s interior minister declared that Israeli athletes would get round-the-clock security at the Paris Olympics.

Following a call for protests against their participation and a remark that Israel’s delegation was not welcome, France’s interior minister declared that Israeli athletes would receive 24-hour protection throughout the Paris Olympics.

Due to increased geopolitical tensions resulting from the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, there are serious security worries as the Games get underway on Friday. The radical left in France is divided over Israel’s war against Hamas, which has had a severe effect on Gaza; some opponents charge pro-Palestinian activists with anti-Semitic sentiments.

In a Sunday night TV interview, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced that Israeli competitors would have round-the-clock protection throughout the Games. This marks 52 years after the Munich Olympics massacre, in which 11 Israelis were massacred by Palestinian militants.

The footage of far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party politician Thomas Portes declaring that Israeli Olympic athletes were not welcome in France and urging protests against their participation in the Games preceded Darmanin’s remarks.

“The Olympic Games, a global event in Paris, are just a few days away. I’m here to tell the Israeli delegation that they are not invited. In a video posted to social media, he declared, “Israeli athletes are not welcome at the Paris Olympics,” to a standing ovation.

At a meeting with peers from the European Union on Monday in Brussels, Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said, “On behalf of France, we welcome the Israeli delegation to these Olympic Games.” In addition, he pledged to uphold the security of the Israeli delegation during a future phone conversation with his Israeli counterpart.

A request for comment from Reuters was not immediately answered by Portes, and the Israeli embassy declined to comment.

A few legislators from LFI somewhat endorsed Portes’ statements. In a post on X, prominent party figure and senator Manuel Bompard expressed support for Portes “amidst the hatred he faces” and contended that “it’s legitimate to request their athletes compete under a neutral banner at the Olympics given Israel’s repeated international law violations.”

Israel disputes that its assault in Gaza, which was sparked by a cross-border Hamas attack in October of last year, violated any international law.

A memorial commemorating the Israeli athletes slain in the Munich attack of 1972 was relocated from outside Paris’ City Hall to the Israeli embassy, highlighting the convoluted security situation.

Israeli officials have not announced if their competitors take part in the opening ceremony of the Games, which will feature participants parade down the Seine in barges.