“Israel has become a victim.” Macron explained why Israel was allowed to the Olympics, but Russia was not

French President Emmanuel Macron explained the difference in approaches to the participation of Israel and Russia in the 2024 Olympic Games. International competitions will be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11.

According to the French leader, Israeli athletes are allowed to participate in the Olympics under the national flag because their country is not an attacking party, unlike Russia.

At the same time, Macron spoke about the threat to security at the opening ceremony of the Games, which is to be held on the Seine River. It could be limited to the Trocadéro or the Stade de France as a precaution, he said. The President emphasized that a few days before the event, all special services will be mobilized and a security perimeter will be established.

The EU called for Israel to be removed from the Olympics

Member of the French Parliament Edouard Benard called for Israel to be removed from the Olympic Games, and sent a corresponding proposal to the country’s Minister of Sports, Amelie Oudéa-Casteret. He drew attention to the request of more than 300 Palestinian sports clubs and civil society organizations that support the initiative.

“Given that the Israeli government is pursuing a policy of apartheid and organizing genocide, (…) this country (…) must be excluded from the Olympic Games,” Benard called.

In addition, the left-wing coalition bloc of Spain, Sumar, called for the removal of Israel. “Genocide is being committed, and while this continues, it is unacceptable for Israel to participate in this peaceful event,” Sumar said.

Russia was suspended for violating the truce, the IOC said

Israeli athletes cannot be held responsible for the actions of their governments, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said in November 2023. The organization explained the sanctions against Russian athletes by the start of a special military operation (SVO) in Ukraine during the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing in 2022.

In this regard, the IOC took measures to remove Russian athletes.

In March, the IOC recommended allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes who did not support the holding of the SVO in Ukraine to compete in neutral status. At the same time, athletes associated with the armed forces or security agencies of their countries were recommended to be excluded from participation in competitions.

In December, Russians and Belarusians were allowed to participate in the Games in Paris as individual neutral athletes. However, athletes who support the SVO, or those with connections to the armed forces or security agencies, will not be allowed to participate in the competition. In addition, representatives of team sports will miss the tournament.