France: “Israeli” athletes to get 24-hour protection at Paris Olympics

France’s Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced that “Israeli” athletes will receive 24-hour protection during the Paris Olympics, Middle East Monitor reported. 

The Paris Olympics, set to commence on Friday, are taking place against a backdrop of heightened security concerns, particularly due to ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza. 

The Israeli Occupation aggression on Gaza ignited strong reactions among France’s far-left factions. Some critics accused pro-Palestinian advocates of harboring anti-Semitic sentiments.

Darmanin confirmed in a television interview on Sunday that the “Israeli” athletes would be under constant protection throughout the games. 

This declaration comes after far-left lawmaker Thomas Portes stated that “Israel’s” delegation was not welcome and called for protests against their participation.

Additionally, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne expressed France’s official stance, welcoming the “Israeli” delegation to the Olympic Games during a meeting with European Union counterparts in Brussels on Monday. 

Sejourne assured his commitment to their security in an upcoming phone call with his “Israeli” counterpart.

The controversy was further fueled by Portes, a member of the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, who was recorded at a pro-Gaza rally stating that “Israeli” athletes were not welcome at the Paris Olympics. 

His comments, shared widely on social media, received applause from attendees. Portes has not responded to requests for comment, and the “Israeli” embassy has declined to comment on the matter.

In partial defense of Portes, senior LFI party official Manuel Bompard took to X to express his support. 

Bompard argued that given “Israel’s” alleged violations of international law, it was reasonable to request that “Israeli” athletes compete under a neutral banner at the Olympics.