Tel Aviv, July 21, 2024
Israeli Olympians have received death threats and hate messages before the Paris 2024 Olympics. Armed Shin Bet agents will be sent to Paris for the largest-ever security operation for Israeli athletes.
Walla news reported that over the weekend, Israeli athletes received online messages and calls from foreign numbers. On Thursday and Friday, 15 athletes received identical death threats via email, warning they would be killed if they arrived in France.
The anonymous email threatened harm to any Israeli presence at the Olympics, referencing the Munich 1972 tragedy. In 1972, 11 Israelis were killed by the Palestinian terrorist group Black September. A ceremony will take place during the Paris Games to remember those killed.
Yael Arad, chairwoman of the Israel Olympic Committee, said they expected such threats and had prepared for them. They instructed athletes on how to respond and had many discussions on the subject.
The Israeli Olympic team has arrived in Paris and was met with high security. The Telegraph reported that Israel would send armed Shin Bet agents to Paris. Security preparations started a year ago, doubling the security budget due to increased threats from the Israel-Hamas war.
Former Shin Bet chief Yaakov Peri said Israeli officers are likely already in France assessing threats. He called this one of the toughest security challenges Israel’s delegations have faced.
Eighty-eight Israeli athletes will participate in the games. All will have security details from Shin Bet. Minister Miki Zohar said they try to ensure athletes feel safe but not overly aware of security guards.