Protests Erupt in Paris

Protests erupted in Paris on Wednesday as hundreds took to the streets to oppose a controversial gala organized by far-right figures in support of Israel. This event, which aimed to raise funds for the Israeli military, notably featured Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on the guest list.

Demonstrations Coincide with National Soccer Match

The demonstrations coincided with a significant soccer match scheduled for Thursday at France's national stadium, where the Israeli national team was set to play. In light of the escalating tensions stemming from the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, authorities have confirmed the deployment of over 4,000 police officers accompanied by 1,600 stadium staff to maintain order during the game.

Controversy Surrounding Smotrich

While Smotrich was initially anticipated to attend the gala titled "Israel is Forever," the minister, known for his controversial views on Israeli settlements, ultimately opted out following mounting criticism. His office announced on the day of the event that he would not travel to Paris, reflecting the increasing divisiveness his invitation had triggered among local associations, unions, and left-wing political factions.

International Backlash

Smotrich is often regarded as a hard-line leader, and his recent comments regarding the potential for Israeli annexation of the West Bank—especially in the wake of potential U.S. political shifts—have drawn international backlash. The French Foreign Ministry condemned his remarks as "contrary to international law" and detrimental to the already fragile situation in the region, reaffirming France's commitment to the two-state solution that envisions coexistence for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Organizers and Accusations

This gala was organized by an association with the same name, led by Nili Kupfer-Naouri, who had previously sparked outrage for her inflammatory remarks about civilians in Gaza following the last wave of Israel-Hamas violence. The criticism of the event intensified as accusations circulated that it represented "a gala of hatred and shame," prompting passionate responses from protesters.

Protests and Public Response

On the evening of the protests, hundreds marched through central Paris displaying anti-gala slogans. One protester, Melkir Saib, highlighted the perceived double standards in policing, stating that if a similar event were organized for groups like Hezbollah or Hamas, it would not stand. Though the march remained largely peaceful, tensions escalated at one point, resulting in property damage, including broken windows at a McDonald's along the route.

Jewish Leftist Organizations Join Protests

Meanwhile, another group comprising Jewish leftist organizations gathered near the Arc de Triomphe, vocally opposing the gala and Smotrich's presence. These protests reflect a wider sentiment of frustration and anger towards rising right-wing extremism in Europe and ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Israel and Palestine.

Official Remarks on Public Order

In response to the unrest, Paris police chief Laurent Nunez downplayed the potential for significant disturbances from the gala, asserting that it did not pose a major threat to public order. However, the protests are part of a broader pattern of conflict escalating in major European cities, as evidenced by recent protests in Amsterdam, which also saw demonstrations against Israeli football fans.

Complexities of the Conflict

This situation underscores the complexities and emotional weight of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which continue to resonate deeply within diverse communities across Europe. The unfolding events are sure to ignite further dialogue regarding international responses to these critical issues.