French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has announced that “Israeli” athletes will receive 24-hour protection during the Paris Olympics, Middle East Monitor reports.

The Olympic Games in Paris, which start on Friday, come against a backdrop of heightened security concerns, particularly over ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

The Israeli occupation aggression on Gaza has led to strong reactions among the far-left factions in France. Some critics accused pro-Palestinian supporters of harboring anti-Semitic sentiments.

Darmanin confirmed in a television interview on Sunday that the “Israeli” athletes would be protected at all times during the Games.

The statement follows far-left lawmaker Thomas Portes, who declared the delegation from “Israel” unwelcome and called for protests against their participation.

In addition, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne expressed France’s official position and welcomed the “Israeli” delegation to the Olympic Games during a meeting with his European Union counterparts in Brussels on Monday.

Sejourne assured his commitment to their safety in an upcoming phone call with his “Israeli” counterpart.

The controversy was further fuelled by Portes, a member of the far-left party France Unbowed (LFI), who was recorded at a pro-Gaza rally declaring that “Israeli” athletes were not welcome at the Paris Olympics.

His comments, which were widely shared on social media, were applauded by those in attendance. Portes has not responded to requests for comment and the “Israeli” embassy has declined to comment on the matter.

In partial defense of Portes, Manuel Bompard, a senior LFI party official, went to X to express his support.

Bompard argued that given the alleged violations of international law by “Israel,” it was reasonable to demand that “Israeli” athletes compete in the Olympic Games under a neutral flag.