Thomas Portes, an MP from the radical-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, has ignited a firestorm of controversy by stating that Israeli athletes are not welcome at the upcoming Paris Olympics. During a pro-Palestinian rally in Paris on Saturday, Portes urged for protests against the presence of the Israeli delegation, citing Israel’s actions in Gaza.
"We are just days away from the Paris Olympic Games," Portes said. "I'm here to declare that the Israeli delegation is not welcome. We must mobilize and use every tool at our disposal."
The remarks were swiftly condemned by Yonathan Arfi, head of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF). Arfi called Portes' comments "indecent" and "irresponsible," accusing him of endangering Israeli athletes. He reminded Portes of the tragic murder of 11 Israeli athletes by Palestinian terrorists at the 1972 Munich Olympics, emphasizing that Israeli athletes are already highly vulnerable at international events.
Portes later suggested in an interview with Le Parisien that French diplomats should pressure the International Olympic Committee to ban the Israeli flag and anthem at the Games, similar to the sanctions against Russia. "It's time to end the double standards," he stated.
The backlash from French politicians was swift and fierce. Karen Taieb, a deputy mayor of Paris, labeled Portes a "danger and a disgrace," condemning his advocacy of hatred. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin pointed out the antisemitic undertones in Portes' comments and assured that Israeli athletes would receive round-the-clock protection during the Olympics.
Socialist MP Jérôme Guedj expressed his support for the inclusion of all athletes, regardless of nationality, emphasizing that the Olympics celebrate what athletes do, not who they are.
Some members of the LFI party defended Portes. Senior party official Manuel Bompard backed Portes, highlighting Israel's alleged violations of international law and suggesting that its athletes should compete under a neutral flag.
The Palestinian Olympic Committee also called for Israel's exclusion from the Games, accusing it of violating the Olympic truce with ongoing military actions in Gaza.
The Paris Olympics are set to begin on Friday with an extravagant opening ceremony along the Seine River. While Israeli officials have not confirmed their participation in the parade, President Isaac Herzog will attend and participate in a commemoration for the Munich victims.
Amidst the controversy, Israel maintains it has not violated international law in Gaza, despite ongoing investigations by the International Criminal Court into alleged war crimes by Israeli leaders.
Israel’s football team is scheduled to play against Mali on Wednesday at the Parc des Princes stadium, two days before the opening ceremony. French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné welcomed the Israeli delegation, stating, "We welcome you to France for these Olympic Games."
Latest Updates:
How to Watch Team USA Live at the Paris 2024 Olympics
The Olympic Games: A Legacy of Ancient Proportions]
Eiffel Tower Gets a Delicious Makeover for Paris Olympics