Olympic delegation of Israel in France is under increased protection as concerns rise following the assassination of Hamas leader in recent days. Currently, security operatives had been dispatched to Paris to assist French law enforcement, and a prestigious anti-terror squad in the city was in charge of occasions involving Israeli players.
Yet, police officials revealed even more stringent steps two days ago. It happened after Iranian officials threatened to exact “severe punishment” for Ismail Haniyeh‘s death on Wednesday morning. A missile hit Hamas leader’s residence in Iranian capital hours after he attended Iranian presidential inauguration. The assassination has increased tensions globally and sparked worries about a full-scale uptick in bloodshed in the Middle East.
The Israeli security Agency is said to be stepping up the competitor’s protection, according to many reports from Paris and Tel Aviv. Shin Bet’s staff and players’ protection section, which is guarding the athletes, has also been reported to have more troops. According to the Israeli sources, the athlete’s protection orders have been bolstered, and the local services who support Israel’s protection have seen a boost in vigilance. “Daily situation assessments are carried out, and security arrangements are determined accordingly,” according to the Shin Bet.
The accuracy of the reports has been verified by officials present at the Paris Olympics city. IOC spokesperson Mark Adams stated he was unable to comment on particular security information. He did, however, reassure that there is excellent and robust protection in French capital for Israeli athletes. “What I would say in a time like this, what is important is that we can actually still bring together athletes representing the 206 national Olympic committee regions around the world which, at this time, is probably more powerful than ever,”
Reporters have already questioned if additional safeguards were set up following threats made via email to Israeli competitors before the Olympics. The IOC’s head of NOC interactions stated that they had communication with the Israeli Olympic organization. Competitors frequently get threats, and the IOC is aware that Israeli sportsmen are targeted more frequently. We immediately implement a variety of protecting procedures in conjunction with the NOC, but certain delegations—like Israel—frequently experience this.
Already, there was exceptional protection around the Israeli Olympic squad in France. Prior to the Games began, Miki Zohar, Israeli minister of culture and sport, stated that he is aware about the concerns, but is unwilling to discuss it. He claimed that this year, Israeli squad’s security funding has been doubled and that the they have been preparing the Olympic safety concerns for over long months before the games.
Shin Bet will provide security information to about eighty-eight Israeli competitors and their crew, although not all individuals have a security guard, according to Mr. Zohar. Prior to the Olympics, a diplomatic source described Israel and France’s security collaboration as “excellent.” He continued by saying that the squad will play matches as “normally” as possible, not skipping any activities or locations.
