France Investigates Disclosure of Sensitive Information of Israeli Athletes at the Olympics

Following the disclosure of sensitive personal data of Israeli athletes participating in the Paris Olympics, France has initiated investigations into 'serious death threats' against these athletes. Sources within the French police reported that after such data was revealed, they contacted the French Cyber Crime Unit to have this information removed from relevant platforms. According to reports, among the disclosed data were blood test results of Israeli athletes or their usernames and passwords for accessing various services, which were posted on a Telegram channel. The Paris Prosecutor's Office also announced that investigations into 'serious death threats' against Israeli athletes began on Sunday. The prosecution stated that the investigations were initiated following a report by Gérald Darmanin, the French Minister of the Interior, prepared by the National Center for Combating Online Hate. A police source told AFP that in addition to the aforementioned data, information about Israeli athletes who have served in their country's army was also leaked. Israel warned France about 'Iranian threats' against the Paris Olympics. It is still unclear which group or country is behind this action, but Israel warned France on Thursday about potential 'terrorist' threats against Israeli athletes and tourists by groups supported by the Islamic Republic during the Paris Olympics. Israel Katz, Israel's Foreign Minister, wrote in a letter to his French counterpart, Stéphane Séjourné, 'Some are seeking to harm the celebrations of this joyous event.' The day before, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, called for global unity against what he termed the 'Iranian terrorism axis' in a speech to the U.S. Congress. The Islamic Republic has not claimed responsibility for the cyber action against Israeli athletes, but Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, reiterated his stance against Israel during the swearing-in ceremony of President Masoud Pezeshkian, referencing Israel's presence at the Paris Olympics and Netanyahu's attendance at the U.S. Congress. Israel has accused the Islamic Republic of 'cyber terrorism' aimed at 'instilling fear' among the Israeli delegation at the Paris Olympics. France had previously announced that it had established a broad security network to ensure the safety of the Olympic Games. The Paris Olympics will continue for another two weeks.