Israel urges citizens to avoid Britain as it warns them of planned attacks at large events
Israel has warned its citizens to avoid sporting and cultural events in the UK amid fears over upcoming attacks.
Following attacks against football fans in Amsterdam, the country’s National Security Council said that it had intelligence that pro-Palestinian groups were trying to harm Jews and Israelis across Europe.
It said that these attacks would come under the guise of protests and demonstrations.
The council highlighted the upcoming UEFA Nations League match between Israel and France in Paris this Thursday as one to stay clear of.
In a statement published online, the council said: “In the past few days, there have been calls among pro-Palestinian/terrorist-supporter groups to harm Israelis and Jews.
“This is under the pretence of demonstrations and protests, taking advantage of mass gatherings (sports and cultural events) to maximise the damage and the media coverage.
“In addition, preparations to harm Israelis have been identified in several European cities, including Brussels, major cities in the UK, Amsterdam and Paris (around the upcoming match of the Israeli team on 14 November).”
Israelis who are travelling abroad have also been warned not to disclose their identity, and be wary if their destination country has a “large migrant population from countries opposed to Israel”.
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President Emmanuel Macron’s office has said that In a gesture of solidarity, he will be at the Stade de France for the Nations League match.
The French government has decided to push ahead with the game, despite calls to axe it.
However, stressed that security measures will be increased to ensure the safety of attendees.
Around 4,000 police are expected to be deployed on Thursday, including 2,500 who will be stationed around the stadium.
Last week, Israeli football fans were attacked by masked thugs following a match in Amsterdam.
The incident happened after a Europa League match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv at the Johan Cruyff Arena, which resulted in the home team winning 5-0.
At least ten supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv were injured, with five being hospitalised. Sixty-one arrests were also made when the mob began attacking Israeli fans on Thursday.
On Sunday, Dutch riot police broke up a pro-Palestinian demonstration which was staged after a Dutch court held up an emergency ban on public gatherings, which was ordered following the attacks.