Macron says Israeli athletes ‘welcome’ at Paris Olympics

ANKARA (AA) – French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that Israeli athletes are “welcome” to the Paris Olympics 2024, and added that Russian athletes’ participation in the international sporting event is up to the Olympic Committee.

In a live-streamed interview with France 2 ahead of the games, Macron claimed that Israel’s situation differs from Russia’s as Israel is not waging a “war of aggression” and that it is up to the Olympic Committee to decide whether Russian athletes should participate.

“We do not use the games to do politics. The Israeli athletes are welcome to our country. They will compete under their (national) colors as the committee has decided … and it is France’s responsibility to guarantee their security,” Macron said.

Left-wing lawmaker Thomas Portes’ remarks about the Israeli athletes were “inadmissible,” the president said, adding that he “most strictly” condemns those who, in a certain way, put those athletes at risk and “threaten them implicitly.”

Thomas Portes, a member of the parliament from La France Insoumise (France Unbowed, or LFI), said over the weekend that “the Israeli delegation is not welcomed in Paris” and urged an end to a “double standard.”

“French diplomacy must put pressure on the International Olympic Committee so that the Israeli flag and anthem are not admitted in the Olympic Games, just as this was done for Russia,” he said.

Macron said he has “deep disagreements” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but the premier, who did “not confirm” his attendance at the opening ceremony of the Paris Games on Friday, “would be welcome” as well.

“I am very attached to the State of Israel’s security, but I am also very attached to the two-state solution and the establishment of a cease-fire since what is happening in Gaza today is inadmissible,” Macron added.