Controversial Israeli Minister’s France Visit Sparks Security Concerns
Israeli Economy Minister Bezalel Smotrich, known for his extremist views, is invited to Paris by a far-right Jewish organization on November 13. French authorities, having condemned Smotrich’s statements regarding Palestinians, remain unsure if he will attend. Amidst rising tensions, the French Jewish student movement and the extreme Zionist group Betar plan rallies. Security measures for an upcoming Israel-France football match on November 14 will be heightened, with around 4,000 police deployed and strict limits on attendance due to prior antisemitic incidents. The situation remains sensitive as authorities emphasize public safety.