The worldwide anti-Israel sentiment since the outbreak of the Gaza war and the hostile demonstrations sweeping across Europe present numerous challenges for the security of the Israeli delegation to the Paris Olympics. 3 View gallery For the first time in the country’s history, Israel will compete in the Olympic Games while engaged in combat on multiple fronts, adding a layer of sensitivity to the situation. Our athletes will be the most heavily guarded delegation in France, with a record number of Shin Bet security personnel.
This represents the highest budget ever allocated for the security of an Israeli sports delegation abroad, including technological means never before used in such events. The Ministry of Culture and Sports is responsible for funding the security of Israeli delegations. While the security budget for the Rio and Tokyo Games was $1.
1 million, Minister Miki Zohar decided to increase it by tens of percent this time, amounting to over $1.9 million. Shin Bet’s Unit 730, responsible for securing individuals and delegations, is managing this complex project.
The nature of the Paris Games requires a great deal of creativity from security forces, as one of the organizing committee’s decisions was to make the games accessible to as many people as possible. This means holding competitions in central, open tourist sites, such as under the Eiffel Tower and at the Place de la Concorde, or conducting the opening ceremony in 12 days on the River Seine with delegati.