France Tactical: Heightened security measures announced ahead of Paris Basketball - Maccabi Tel Aviv match at Adidas Arena in Paris on January 16; avoid nonessential travel | Security Portal

Jan 2025

10:31 UTC

France Tactical: Heightened security measures announced ahead of Paris Basketball – Maccabi Tel Aviv match at Adidas Arena in Paris on January 16; avoid nonessential travel

Current Situation

On January 16, a basketball game between Paris Basketball and Maccabi Tel Aviv will take place at the Adidas Arena at Porte de la Chapelle in Paris starting at 20:30 (local time).
The basketball match has been classified as high-risk, rated four out of five, by the Division Nationale de lutte contre le hooliganisme (DNLH), indicating proven risks to public order.
Hundreds of mobile force units will be deployed around the event. A plan drawn up by the Prefecture de Police calls for deploying several hundred police officers to prevent incidents in and around the venue.
The police have authorized the recording of images using aircraft-mounted cameras in Paris and Seine-Saint-Denis on January 16-17, to monitor public order during the high-risk basketball match.

Source: X/Twitter

Pro-Palestinian activists affiliated with Urgence Palestine, Extinction Rebellion (XR), and Euro Palestine have called for the cancellation of the Israeli athletes’ participation and plan to stage a protest at Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad from 19:00 on January 16.

Source: Israeli Government

Assessments & Forecast

Considering the mobilization capabilities of the organizing protest groups, the demonstration at Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad is liable to see a turnout in the high hundreds. Moreover, there is a risk that demonstrators will proceed to the Adidas Arena, increasing the potential for clashes with Maccabi fans, as well as harassment of fans.
Given that this is the first time a basketball match has been classified as high-risk, the event at the Adidas Arena carries an elevated risk of unrest. Within the arena, potential incidents include clashes between supporters, unauthorized attempts by individuals or groups to disrupt the match, and efforts to display banners, flags, or other politically charged symbols in violation of venue policies. This is evidenced by the incident on December 18, 2024, when pro-Palestinian protesters forcibly entered an arena during a match between Nanterre and Hapoel Holon in Nanterre.
Furthermore, given heightened sentiments regarding the conflict in the Middle East coupled with precedents, the protest carries an increased risk of unrest in the form of clashes between protesters and the police – as well as Maccabi fans, as discussed above. The potential for unrest is further heightened by the venue’s proximity to the Seine-Saint-Denis area, a socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhood with a significant population of African and North African immigrants
Moreover, large crowds are likely to manifest in other parts of central Paris, with basketball spectators likely to attend viewing parties. As such, the potential for unannounced pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protests is elevated near central locations, such as Place de la Republique, Fontaine des Innocents, or Place de la Bastille. Protests near other government buildings and outside the Israeli and US Embassy are also likely.
Considering precedent, coupled with DNLH assessments, hooligan groups, and other radical elements are highly likely to infiltrate fan gatherings and pro-Palestinian protests. As such, any events related to the Paris Basketball – Maccabi Tel Avi match in Paris carry a high risk of violent unrest. FORECAST: Incidents of violence are likely to manifest as clashes between supporters of participating teams and with the police. Such clashes are also likely to occur in stadiums, fan zones, areas near the stadium, hotels where fans are staying, public transport hubs, and pubs and bars broadcasting the game. In the event of major unrest, authorities are likely to respond with baton charges, water cannons, and mass arrests.
In addition to the announced security measures, bolstered security deployments are expected across Paris as a precautionary measure. Security checkpoints are also expected to be set up in the vicinity of Adidas Arena. Fans attending the match are likely to undergo increased checks, including screening and frisking.
Authorities are also expected to increase counterterrorism measures at and near the stadium due to the high threat posed by Islamist terrorists to high-profile events, as well as the fact that Israeli entities remain among the primary targets for the potential attacks. This is evidenced by several foiled attack plots targeting the Israeli delegation during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Significant disruptions to travel are expected near Adidas Arena and the scheduled protest, as well as in central Paris due to potential pro-Palestinian protests or basketball-related gatherings.

Recommendations

Those operating or residing in Paris on January 16 are advised to avoid nonessential travel in the vicinity of Adidas Arena due to the elevated risk of violent unrest at the basketball match.
Avoid nonessential travel in the vicinity of any protests or gatherings related to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Paris on January 16.
Israeli nationals and Jewish individuals are advised to keep a low profile in the public due to tensions resulting from the conflict. Avoid revealing your identity and religion or political inclinations to strangers.
Travelers are advised to remain cognizant of their surroundings, including any suspicious behavior of individuals, which may include a person seemingly wandering around, as well as items that look out of place, such as bags or containers.
Alert authorities immediately upon witnessing suspicious items or behavior.
Ensure that places of stay are properly secured, alter travel routes, and avoid disclosing sensitive itinerary information to unknown individuals.
If a potential stabbing, shooting, explosion, or vehicle ramming manifests, leave the area immediately if possible, or take shelter at a secure location.
Move away from large groups to mitigate the risks of a stampede and of presenting a bigger target for a possible secondary attack.
If escape is impossible, hide, preferably in a place that will offer protection. If possible, lock or otherwise barricade your hiding position, remain quiet, silence electronic devices, and attempt to contact emergency services via text messages or social media.

Low

Paris, France

High

Confirmed

Current Situation

On January 16, a basketball game between Paris Basketball and Maccabi Tel Aviv will take place at the Adidas Arena at Porte de la Chapelle in Paris starting at 20:30 (local time).
The basketball match has been classified as high-risk, rated four out of five, by the Division Nationale de lutte contre le hooliganisme (DNLH), indicating proven risks to public order.
Hundreds of mobile force units will be deployed around the event. A plan drawn up by the Prefecture de Police calls for deploying several hundred police officers to prevent incidents in and around the venue.
The police have authorized the recording of images using aircraft-mounted cameras in Paris and Seine-Saint-Denis on January 16-17, to monitor public order during the high-risk basketball match.

Source: X/Twitter

Pro-Palestinian activists affiliated with Urgence Palestine, Extinction Rebellion (XR), and Euro Palestine have called for the cancellation of the Israeli athletes’ participation and plan to stage a protest at Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad from 19:00 on January 16.

Source: Israeli Government

Assessments & Forecast

Considering the mobilization capabilities of the organizing protest groups, the demonstration at Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad is liable to see a turnout in the high hundreds. Moreover, there is a risk that demonstrators will proceed to the Adidas Arena, increasing the potential for clashes with Maccabi fans, as well as harassment of fans.
Given that this is the first time a basketball match has been classified as high-risk, the event at the Adidas Arena carries an elevated risk of unrest. Within the arena, potential incidents include clashes between supporters, unauthorized attempts by individuals or groups to disrupt the match, and efforts to display banners, flags, or other politically charged symbols in violation of venue policies. This is evidenced by the incident on December 18, 2024, when pro-Palestinian protesters forcibly entered an arena during a match between Nanterre and Hapoel Holon in Nanterre.
Furthermore, given heightened sentiments regarding the conflict in the Middle East coupled with precedents, the protest carries an increased risk of unrest in the form of clashes between protesters and the police – as well as Maccabi fans, as discussed above. The potential for unrest is further heightened by the venue’s proximity to the Seine-Saint-Denis area, a socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhood with a significant population of African and North African immigrants
Moreover, large crowds are likely to manifest in other parts of central Paris, with basketball spectators likely to attend viewing parties. As such, the potential for unannounced pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protests is elevated near central locations, such as Place de la Republique, Fontaine des Innocents, or Place de la Bastille. Protests near other government buildings and outside the Israeli and US Embassy are also likely.
Considering precedent, coupled with DNLH assessments, hooligan groups, and other radical elements are highly likely to infiltrate fan gatherings and pro-Palestinian protests. As such, any events related to the Paris Basketball – Maccabi Tel Avi match in Paris carry a high risk of violent unrest. FORECAST: Incidents of violence are likely to manifest as clashes between supporters of participating teams and with the police. Such clashes are also likely to occur in stadiums, fan zones, areas near the stadium, hotels where fans are staying, public transport hubs, and pubs and bars broadcasting the game. In the event of major unrest, authorities are likely to respond with baton charges, water cannons, and mass arrests.
In addition to the announced security measures, bolstered security deployments are expected across Paris as a precautionary measure. Security checkpoints are also expected to be set up in the vicinity of Adidas Arena. Fans attending the match are likely to undergo increased checks, including screening and frisking.
Authorities are also expected to increase counterterrorism measures at and near the stadium due to the high threat posed by Islamist terrorists to high-profile events, as well as the fact that Israeli entities remain among the primary targets for the potential attacks. This is evidenced by several foiled attack plots targeting the Israeli delegation during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Significant disruptions to travel are expected near Adidas Arena and the scheduled protest, as well as in central Paris due to potential pro-Palestinian protests or basketball-related gatherings.

Recommendations

Those operating or residing in Paris on January 16 are advised to avoid nonessential travel in the vicinity of Adidas Arena due to the elevated risk of violent unrest at the basketball match.
Avoid nonessential travel in the vicinity of any protests or gatherings related to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Paris on January 16.
Israeli nationals and Jewish individuals are advised to keep a low profile in the public due to tensions resulting from the conflict. Avoid revealing your identity and religion or political inclinations to strangers.
Travelers are advised to remain cognizant of their surroundings, including any suspicious behavior of individuals, which may include a person seemingly wandering around, as well as items that look out of place, such as bags or containers.
Alert authorities immediately upon witnessing suspicious items or behavior.
Ensure that places of stay are properly secured, alter travel routes, and avoid disclosing sensitive itinerary information to unknown individuals.
If a potential stabbing, shooting, explosion, or vehicle ramming manifests, leave the area immediately if possible, or take shelter at a secure location.
Move away from large groups to mitigate the risks of a stampede and of presenting a bigger target for a possible secondary attack.
If escape is impossible, hide, preferably in a place that will offer protection. If possible, lock or otherwise barricade your hiding position, remain quiet, silence electronic devices, and attempt to contact emergency services via text messages or social media.

Low

Paris, France

High

Confirmed

France Tactical: Heightened security measures announced ahead of Paris Basketball – Maccabi Tel Aviv match at Adidas Arena in Paris on January 16; avoid nonessential travel

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