By On Thursday, Israel issued a warning to France about potential threats from Iran-backed groups targeting Israeli athletes and tourists during the Paris Olympic Games. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz expressed concerns in a letter to his French counterpart, highlighting possible attacks from Iranian-affiliated terror organizations.
In response, France has implemented an extensive security operation, deploying approximately 18,000 troops alongside regular police forces to safeguard the Games. Israeli athletes will receive round-the-clock protection from elite French police both within the Olympic village and outside of it.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an address to the US Congress on Wednesday, called for a united global effort against the Iranian “axis of terror,” emphasizing the need for collaboration between the US and Israel against Iran and its allies.
Tensions have escalated since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which Iran praised but denied involvement in. The conflict has intensified with the involvement of Iranian-supported groups in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. Iran has expressed support for these groups while maintaining that they operate independently.
On April 13-14, Iran conducted a significant drone and missile strike on Israel, following an Israeli airstrike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus that resulted in the deaths of seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards, including two generals.
