(Adnkronos) – Protests have broken out in Paris against a controversial gala organized by far-right figures in support of Israel. The event “Israel is forever”, aimed at raising funds for the Israeli army, was also supposed to be attended by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
The demonstrations took place on the eve of a high-risk football match at the French national stadium against the Israeli national team, overshadowed by tensions linked to the wars in the Middle East. Paris authorities have announced that more than 4,000 police officers and 1,600 stadium staff will be deployed for the match.
The invitation to Smotrich drew sharp criticism from local associations, unions and left-wing political parties, sparking two protests in the French capital. The minister has been accused of inflaming tensions in the West Bank and drew international condemnation this week by saying he hoped the election of Donald Trump would pave the way for Israel’s annexation of the West Bank, a move that would extinguish dreams of a Palestinian state. The French Foreign Ministry called Smotrich’s statements “contrary to international law” and counterproductive to efforts to reduce regional tensions.
