Israeli Athletes at Paris Olympics Face Security Concerns

French authorities investigate threats against Israeli athletes at Paris Olympics

French police have launched an investigation into death threats received by three Israeli athletes participating in the Paris Olympic Games. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed the investigation on Sunday.

Anti-cybercrime officers are also investigating the release of athletes' personal data on social media platforms on Friday. They are working to have the information removed.

The investigation follows a statement by Israel's National Cyber Directorate on Thursday. The directorate concluded that Iranian hackers were creating social media channels to publish personal information about members of the Israeli delegation and send them threatening messages.

On the same day, Israel's foreign minister warned his French counterpart of a potential Iranian-backed plot to target Israeli athletes and tourists during the Olympics.

The Iranian mission to the United Nations denied the accusations in a statement on Thursday. They stated that "terrorist acts have no place in the principles of resistance groups; lies and deceit cannot switch the roles of the plaintiff and the accused."

Israeli athletes at the Games are receiving enhanced security measures. They are being escorted to and from events by elite tactical units and given 24-hour protection throughout the Olympics. Israel's internal security service, Shin Bet, is assisting with security efforts.

An Israeli diplomatic source expressed support for the measures taken by French authorities. They stated that it sends an important message to individuals and organizations attempting to threaten athletes.