The UEFA Nations League match between France and Israel, which will take place this Thursday, at the Stade de France, will feature a security operation of Olympic dimensions. The security surrounding the event is reminiscent of the usual Olympic Games deployment, with a highly guarded environment in and around the Saint-Denis venue, which will be practically transformed into a ‘bunker’. The operation is a response to recent tensions in Europe, in particular the anti-Semitic incidents that have affected Israeli fans in other countries, such as in the Netherlands (specifically in Amsterdam), which led the French authorities to classify this match as “high risk”.

Since the arrival of the Israeli team at Roissy airport last Monday, a high level of protection was activated similar to the one the team received during the last Olympic Games, where the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN) and the RAID unit of the national police ensured 24-hour surveillance of the delegation. For this event, the security forces in Paris have been reinforced, deploying more than 2,000 agents and extending the security perimeter around the stadium. In addition to the usual access controls, there will be thorough checks to prevent possible disturbances, reinforcing the authorities’ commitment to ensuring that the event takes place safely.

A SAFE FRANCE – ISRAEL EVENT

Coordination between the police prefecture and the French Football Federation includes preventive monitoring inside and outside the stadium, in response to growing concerns about possible demonstrations or acts of violence. Laurent Nunez, prefect of the Paris police, stated that security forces will act “swiftly in the face of any eventuality, prioritizing order and the protection of both players and attendees.”

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau reaffirmed the government’s commitment not to give in to external pressure or move the match elsewhere, despite the sensitive context. “France is not backing down,” he assured, underlining the authorities’ determination to ensure the safety of all those involved in the event. This decision underlines the message of strength and control by the government, which has intensified the operation with agents from specialized units and monitoring teams.

LEARNING FROM THE OLYMPIC GAMES

The measures implemented are expected to ensure a controlled environment during the game, with elite units such as RAID and GIGN ready to intervene if necessary. This level of preparedness and protection has been implemented at recent major sporting events in France, such as the Olympic Games, and reflects the country’s willingness to maintain public order in the midst of complex circumstances.