Heightened Security Measures for Israeli Athletes at the Paris Games
Israeli athletes, who have already been operating under a security detail comparable to that of a head of state during the Paris Games, can now anticipate even more stringent protective measures. This increase in security comes in light of recent assassinations of key Hezbollah and Hamas leaders, which have raised significant concerns among security officials regarding the safety of the athletes.
On Saturday, a rocket fired from Lebanon struck a soccer field in Majdal Shams, an Arab Druze village located in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. The Israeli government attributed this deadly rocket attack to Hezbollah, although the group has denied any involvement. Following this, an Israeli airstrike on Tuesday resulted in the death of a Hezbollah commander near the Lebanese capital of Beirut, marking a significant retaliation.
Tensions escalated further on Wednesday morning, when both Hamas and Iran accused Israel of assassinating Ismail Haniyeh, one of the highest-ranking leaders within Hamas. To date, Israel has not publicly acknowledged the alleged killing.
Shmulik Philosof, a former head of a Shin Bet unit responsible for securing Israeli delegations, commented on the situation, stating, “There’s no doubt that an attack by Hezbollah, which is both knowledgeable and capable of operating on foreign soil, should elevate the level of security afforded to the Israeli delegation.” This is particularly pertinent for the Israeli team currently competing in the Summer Olympics.
The concerns surrounding the Israeli contingent have significantly intensified since the horrific terrorist attacks on October 7, which led to an ongoing conflict in Gaza, global protests, and persistent threats against Israel. The Israeli team has been under heightened protection at every Olympic Games since the tragic Munich incident in 1972, where 11 athletes and coaches lost their lives.
Prior to their departure for Paris, Israeli athletes reported receiving ominous anonymous emails threatening, “We intend to repeat the events of Munich 1972.” Such threats have only added to the urgency for robust security measures as they participate in the global sporting event.
