France Tightens Security Measures for Jews and Israeli Tourists

The French Minister of the Interior called for "strengthening security measures" for Jews in a message to the governors of various regions. Gerald Darmanin stated in a message seen and reported by AFP that "the risk of committing [violent] acts is serious, especially since many Israeli nationals are in our country for the Olympic Games." Jews in France represent the largest Jewish population in Europe and the third largest in the world after Israel and the United States. France also has the largest Muslim population in Europe. Darmanin ordered police, gendarmes, and security personnel to be "immediately" mobilized to ensure the security of "strategic locations frequented by Jews, especially during religious ceremonies." The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs also advised its citizens on Friday, August 12, to avoid traveling to Iran and to leave the country "immediately" if they are there. Senior officials of the Islamic Republic, including Ali Khamenei, the leader, and Hezbollah in Lebanon, have warned that the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas's political bureau, and Fouad Shukr, the highest military commander of Hezbollah and the right-hand man of Hassan Nasrallah, will not go unanswered. Meanwhile, Axios reported, citing three American officials, that the Biden administration believes the Islamic Republic intends to attack Israel in response to the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Axios reported that retaliation by the Islamic Republic is expected to be similar to the attack on Israel on April 14, but may occur on a larger scale and involve Hezbollah. At the same time, an Israeli government spokesperson said on Thursday, August 11, that Israel is prepared for any potential retaliation for the killing of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders in response to threats from the Islamic Republic of Iran and its allies, and will respond "harshly" to any attack. Netanyahu did not mention Haniyeh; confirmation of Israel's role in the killing of the Hezbollah commander. Reuters: The killing of Ismail Haniyeh is the latest development in the tumultuous Middle East. Israel: "Responsible for the murder of children in Majdal Shams" was killed; Gallant: The "removal" of the senior Hezbollah commander showed that Israel will take revenge for its people. The United States and several other countries have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. Yoav Gallant: Cooperation between the U.S. and Israel against the Islamic Republic and its proxies is "vital" for regional security. Biden: The killing of Haniyeh has not been helpful for achieving a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza war. Poland warns its citizens: Do not travel to "Iran, Israel, and Lebanon." The New York Times: The U.S. is preparing to send more warplanes to the Middle East.