French authorities have launched an investigation into death threats directed at Israeli athletes competing in the Paris Olympic Games. The threats, which have intensified security concerns, are believed to be part of a broader plot potentially orchestrated by Iranian hackers. This situation has put the spotlight on the vulnerabilities athletes face and the extensive measures taken to ensure their safety.
The Paris prosecutors' office confirmed on July 28 that anti-cybercrime officers are actively investigating the threats and the unauthorized release of personal data of the athletes on social networks. Efforts are underway to remove this sensitive information from the internet to prevent further escalation. "Anti-cybercrime officers are also investigating the release of athletes' personal data on social networks on July 26 and seeking to have it removed," prosecutors said.
The threats have prompted a robust response from both French and Israeli authorities. Israeli athletes are being escorted by elite tactical units and provided with round-the-clock protection. Israel's internal security service, Shin Bet, is collaborating closely with French security forces to safeguard their athletes. This unprecedented security operation underscores the gravity of the threats and the commitment to athlete safety. "Israeli athletes in the Games are being escorted to and from events by elite tactical units and given 24-hour protection throughout the Olympics," officials noted.
The investigation has also revealed potential anti-Semitic motives behind the threats. During a recent football match between Israel and Paraguay, anti-Semitic gestures were reported, and a banner with a political message was displayed. The Paris 2024 organizers condemned these acts and confirmed that a complaint had been lodged with the authorities. "Paris 2024 strongly condemns these acts. A complaint has been lodged by Paris 2024, which is at the disposal of the authorities to assist with the investigation," the organizers stated.
Israel's foreign minister had previously warned his French counterpart of a possible Iranian-backed plot targeting Israeli athletes and tourists during the Games. This warning came after Israel's National Cyber Directorate identified Iranian hackers creating social media channels to disseminate personal information and send threatening messages to the Israeli delegation. "Israel's foreign minister warned his French counterpart on July 25 of a potential Iranian-backed plot to target Israeli athletes and tourists during the Paris Olympic Games," sources revealed.
The Iranian mission to the United Nations responded to these allegations, stating, "Terrorist acts have no place in the principles of resistance groups; lies and deceit cannot switch the roles of the plaintiff and the accused". Despite these denials, the investigation continues, with French authorities taking the threats seriously and working diligently to ensure the safety of all athletes.
This situation has evoked memories of the tragic events at the 1972 Munich Olympics, where 11 Israeli athletes and a German police officer were killed by Palestinian terrorists. The heightened security measures at the Paris Olympics reflect the lessons learned from past incidents and the ongoing commitment to preventing such tragedies from recurring.
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