Katz Warns: Iran's 'Proxy Terrorists' Seeking to Attack Israeli Athletes at the Olympics

Israel Katz, the Israeli Foreign Minister, warned his French counterpart in a letter about a 'plot supported by the Iranian government' for a 'terrorist attack' against the Israeli athletes' delegation at the Paris Olympics. According to the Times of Israel, Katz stated to Stéphane Séjourné, his French counterpart, that there are those seeking to undermine the joyous nature of the Olympic event. Katz mentioned, 'We currently have assessments regarding the potential threat of Iran's proxy terrorists and other terrorist organizations intending to attack members of the Israeli athletes' delegation and Israeli tourists during the Olympic Games.' Katz also expressed gratitude to French officials for their 'unprecedented security measures' to protect Israelis at the games and for rejecting calls to ban Israel from participating in the Olympics. The French Interior Minister had previously stated that French officials have vetted over one million individuals, including athletes, coaches, journalists, volunteers, security guards, and even residents near the Olympic venues. According to the Associated Press, Gérald Darmanin, the French Interior Minister, announced in an interview with the weekly 'Paris Match' that 4,360 individuals have been banned from entering the games. He added that about a thousand individuals were banned due to suspicions of 'espionage and potential foreign interference.' He stated that France wants to ensure 'sports are not used for espionage.' Meanwhile, according to the French prosecutor's office, the police arrested a Russian citizen on Tuesday on suspicion of 'designing destabilizing actions' during the Paris Summer Olympics. A source in the prosecutor's office, who wished to remain anonymous, told AFP that the Russian man, born in 1984, was arrested on suspicion of 'organizing events that could lead to instability at the Olympics' and is under judicial investigation. The source noted that investigations have begun regarding 'the transfer of information to a foreign power to create hostility in France.' He stated that the punishment for these crimes could be up to 30 years in prison. Prosecutors said that during a search of the man's home, which was conducted 'at the request of the Interior Ministry,' evidence of 'suspicious plans' was discovered. French officials did not provide details of the alleged plot but stated that it is not a terrorist plot, and anti-terrorism prosecutors will not pursue the case. Continuous protection for Israeli athletes at the Paris Olympics; statements from a representative in France have sparked controversy. Security measures have intensified in Paris for hosting the Summer Olympics. The Olympic refugee team has entered the Olympic Village in Paris with Iranian athletes. The smallest Olympic delegation from Iran in two decades: only 40 athletes will go to Paris. Advanced technology and artificial intelligence will be used to combat doping at the Paris Olympics.