Tehran is also planning “terrorist attacks” at the Games, the Israeli foreign minister said
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, has accused Iran of orchestrating acts of vandalism against France’s high-speed rail network, causing significant disruptions to train services ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
“The sabotage of railway infrastructure across France ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics was planned and executed under the influence of Iran’s axis of evil and radical Islam,” Katz stated on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Katz further revealed that he had warned French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne about the threat, stating that “based on information held by Israel, Iranians are planning terrorist attacks against the Israeli delegation and all Olympic participants.”
“Increased preventive measures must be taken to thwart their plot,” he urged.
The SNCF, France’s national railway operator, confirmed on Friday that arsonists had deliberately set fire to signal boxes along railway lines connecting Paris to major cities including Lille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg. This “massive attack” has led to widespread disruptions, delays, and cancellations, affecting an estimated 800,000 passengers over the weekend, according to the operator.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal characterized the “acts of sabotage on SNCF facilities” as planned and coordinated. He announced on X that intelligence agencies and law enforcement were “mobilized” to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Sejourne reiterated that Israeli athletes were “welcome in France,” despite existing tensions surrounding the ongoing war in Gaza and pro-Palestinian protests. France 24 reported that the Israeli delegation has been provided with enhanced security measures, including a 24-hour police escort.
According to the Telegraph, Israel has decided to deploy armed Shin Bet agents to Paris to provide additional security for its athletes and Olympic officials.