Israeli athletes will receive 24-hour protection during the Paris Olympics, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said in a TV interview on Sunday evening. This announcement follows a call by far-left lawmaker Thomas Portes for protests against "Israel's" participation.

"Israeli athletes will be protected around the clock during the Games," Darmanin said.

In an attempt to portray pro-Palestine supporters as terrorists, he further made mention of the 1972 Munich Olympics operation in which 11 Israeli athletes were killed. 

La délégation Israélienne fera l’objet d’une sécurisation renforcée par les forces de l’ordre pendant toute sa présence sur le territoire national. pic.twitter.com/HPbO1RAmCu

— Gérald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) July 21, 2024

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, on his part, reassured that France welcomes the Israeli delegation and is committed to their security. He plans to communicate this to his Israeli counterpart.

"I want to say on behalf of France, to the Israeli delegation, we welcome you to France for these Olympic Games," Sejourne said at a meeting with European Union counterparts in Brussels.

Despite potential resistance, some LFI lawmakers defended Portes, citing "Israel's" violations of international law in Gaza.

A memorial for the 1972 Munich Olympics has been moved from Paris' City Hall to the Israeli embassy due to alleged "security concerns". 

The Paris Olympics will commence with an ambitious opening ceremony along the Seine, featuring athletes paraded on barges down the river.

Whether the Israeli athletes will participate in this event remains undecided, with officials opting not to disclose their plans.

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