thousands of demonstrators in Paris against the “Israel is Forever” gala

The demonstrators notably launched slogans against Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right Israeli minister who was initially scheduled to participate in the gala in Paris.

A few thousand people demonstrated on Wednesday, November 13 in Paris at the call of associations, unions and left-wing political parties to denounce the holding of the “Israel is Forever” gala in the French capital in the evening. The “Israel is Forever” gala is an event in support of Israel organized by several far-right figures. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, known for his extreme positions, was initially expected in person before his spokesperson mentioned speaking remotely.

The location of this gala was kept secret but the possible intervention of Bezalel Smotrich, who on Monday promised an annexation in 2025 by Israel of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, sparked a wave of anger among the demonstrators on Wednesday evening. “Smotrich assassin, Macron complice”protesters chanted against the Israeli minister. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs “sentenced” regularly the remarks of this minister, judging them “contrary to international law” and going “against efforts aimed at de-escalating regional tensions”.

The Paris police chief, Laurent Nunez, interviewed on RTL radio on Wednesday, declared that he had not banned this gala as it did not appear to present any risk of disturbance to public order. “important”.

AFP journalists, informed of the potential location, did not notice any disturbances shortly after 9 p.m. In addition to the slogans against Bezalel Smotrich, the demonstrators were protesting more generally against the policies pursued by the Israeli government in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. “Liberate Palestine”, “Israel get out of it, Palestine is not yours”chanted the demonstrators. For fear of excesses, McDonald's, one of which was targeted by demonstrators who damaged its window, and a Carrefour store had lowered their iron curtains with customers inside, noted AFP journalists .