Tensions Rise in Paris Over Controversial Pro-Israel Event

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Tensions Rise in Paris Over Controversial Pro-Israel Event \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Protests erupted in Paris against the “Israel is Forever” gala, which sought to raise funds for the Israeli military. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a hard-line settler leader, was initially expected to attend but withdrew amid international backlash. Demonstrators condemned the event as divisive, linking it to escalating Middle East tensions and controversial remarks on West Bank annexation.

Paris Protests Far-Right Gala: Quick Looks

Gala Purpose: The “Israel is Forever” event aimed to fundraise for the Israeli military.
Smotrich’s Withdrawal: Controversial Israeli minister canceled his attendance after backlash.
Protests in Paris: Hundreds protested peacefully, though some vandalism was reported.
French Official Response: France’s Foreign Ministry condemned Smotrich’s annexation remarks.
Wider Impacts: Protests coincided with heightened tensions over Middle East conflicts.

Deep Look

Protests gripped central Paris on Wednesday as hundreds of demonstrators marched against a far-right gala organized to support Israel’s military. The event, titled “Israel is Forever,” sparked widespread controversy for its ideological stance, with critics denouncing it as divisive and inflammatory during a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East.

The gala was organized by the “Israel is Forever” association, a group dedicated to mobilizing French-speaking Zionists. Its stated goal of fundraising for the Israeli military faced strong opposition from French left-wing political groups, unions, and local associations. The involvement of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a hard-line advocate for Israeli settlements in the West Bank, intensified the outcry.

Smotrich, known for his controversial views, had initially been scheduled to attend the event. His recent statements advocating for Israeli annexation of the West Bank—a move widely condemned as illegal under international law—triggered a backlash. Critics accused him of undermining Palestinian statehood and escalating tensions in the region. Under mounting pressure, Smotrich’s office announced on Wednesday that he would not travel to Paris for the gala.

Smotrich’s Polarizing Presence

Smotrich’s rhetoric has drawn sharp criticism not only internationally but also from France’s government. In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry declared his remarks “contrary to international law” and counterproductive to ongoing peace efforts. The ministry reaffirmed France’s commitment to the two-state solution, envisioning Israel and Palestine living peacefully side by side—a solution increasingly jeopardized by the growing tensions in the region.

This was not the first time Smotrich has sparked controversy. As a vocal proponent of expanding Israeli settlements, his policies and rhetoric have been a focal point for debates over the future of the West Bank. His involvement with the gala, even remotely, added fuel to an already contentious issue, especially in France, where public opinion is deeply divided on Middle Eastern politics.

Protests Take Over Paris

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in central Paris to voice their opposition to the gala. Protesters described the event as a “gala of hatred and shame,” criticizing what they saw as a dangerous normalization of far-right ideologies.

“Imagine if an association hosted a gala for Hezbollah or Hamas—there’s no way the police would allow that,” remarked Melkir Saib, a protester participating in the march.

The protests were largely peaceful, though isolated incidents of vandalism were reported, including broken windows at a McDonald’s along the protest route. A separate group of demonstrators, including Jewish leftist organizations opposing racism and antisemitism, convened near the Arc de Triomphe. They chanted slogans condemning the gala and Smotrich’s involvement, emphasizing their opposition to both the event and the broader political agenda it represented.

France Defends Freedom of Assembly

Despite the outcry, Parisian authorities defended the decision to allow the gala to proceed. Paris police chief Laurent Nunez stated that the event posed “no major threat to public order.” He emphasized that the city’s response aimed to balance freedom of assembly with ensuring public safety.

The gala coincided with preparations for a high-profile soccer match at France’s national stadium between the Israeli national team and France. More than 4,000 police officers and 1,600 stadium staff were deployed to ensure security during the match, reflecting heightened concerns over potential unrest.

Broader Implications

The Paris demonstrations are part of a broader pattern of unrest in Europe tied to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the ongoing wars in the Middle East. Just days earlier, a massive “Free Palestine” banner was unfurled during a Paris Saint-Germain Champions League soccer match against Atletico Madrid. In Amsterdam, violence erupted last week targeting fans of an Israeli soccer club.

Critics of the gala also pointed to the leadership of Nili Kupfer-Naouri, the president of “Israel is Forever.” Kupfer-Naouri had sparked outrage in 2023 with a tweet during the Israel-Hamas war, stating that “no civilian in Gaza was innocent.” Her remarks further galvanized opposition to the gala, with many seeing her as a symbol of the event’s contentious messaging.

A Divided Public

The Paris protests highlight the growing polarization around Middle Eastern geopolitics and their reverberations in Europe. For many, the gala served as a flashpoint for broader frustrations about perceived inequities in how different political movements are treated. While some viewed the event as a legitimate expression of support for Israel, others condemned it as a dangerous provocation that ignored the complex realities of the conflict.

As France continues to grapple with these tensions, events like the “Israel is Forever” gala underscore the challenges of balancing freedom of expression with the need for unity in a deeply divided society.