From the Liveblog of
Friday, July 26, 2024
Herzog meets Macron in Paris ahead of Olympics opening ceremony, thanks him for fighting antisemitism
President Isaac Herzog meets French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris ahead of tonight’s Olympics opening ceremony.
The president thanks Macron for his “efforts in the fight against antisemitism,” according to a statement from Herzog’s office.
He also notes the French president’s “contribution to ensuring the ability of the excellent Israeli delegation to compete proudly and fairly in the Olympic Games.”
Both the Israeli and Palestinian delegations have been given extra protection, amid tension over the ongoing war in Gaza, which began on October 7, when thousands of Hamas-led terrorists stormed southern Israel to kill some 1,200 people and take 251 hostages.
Israel’s 88 athletes’ security detail comprises both French officers and Shin Bet agents.
“The State of Israel is proud to participate in the Olympics and to raise its flag on this important world stage. With every jump and step, with every kick, lift, and hit – we stand together with our sons and daughters who are on the front lines, we stand together with those displaced from their homes in the north and south of the country, and we continue to demand the immediate release of the hostages held captive by Hamas,” he adds.
I thank President of France @EmmanuelMacron for the warm welcome and congratulate him on hosting the Olympics in Paris. I appreciate his efforts in the fight against antisemitism, and his contribution to ensuring the ability of the excellent Israeli delegation to compete proudly… pic.twitter.com/qTcM72psc5
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) July 26, 2024
Earlier today, French sports outlet L’Equipe reported that local police had opened an investigation into a social media user who posted threats against Herzog in Paris.
