French authorities are investigating death threats targeting three Israeli athletes competing in the Paris Olympics. The investigation, launched by the French prosecutor’s office, comes in the wake of heightened security concerns following the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and a rise in antisemitic incidents globally.
The threats, delivered via phone and email, have referenced the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, where Palestinian terrorists abducted and killed eleven Israeli athletes. Beyond the threats, the personal data of Israeli athletes has also been leaked online, raising further concerns about their safety.
In response to the threats, French authorities have deployed elite tactical units to provide round-the-clock security for Israeli athletes. Additionally, Israel has sent armed agents from its domestic intelligence agency, Shin Bet, to coordinate security measures with French officials.
The Israeli government has taken proactive steps to protect its athletes, acknowledging the existing threats. Israeli minister Miki Zohar stated that 88 athletes and staff will receive Shin Bet protection throughout the Olympics, with security arrangements in place for over a year.
While acknowledging the threats, Zohar emphasized the importance of ensuring athletes feel safe and secure without feeling overly burdened by security measures. The goal is to allow them to focus on their performance while remaining protected.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, has warned his French counterpart, Stéphane Séjourné, of a potential Iranian-backed plot targeting Israeli athletes and tourists during the Olympics. Katz alleges that Iran is also behind a recent rail sabotage incident in France, aimed at disrupting the Games.
The French authorities are actively working to address the threats, with cybercrime officers investigating the data leak and working to remove it from the internet. The heightened security measures underscore the gravity of the situation and the importance of protecting athletes from harm.
