Tightening security measures in France: Interior Minister calls for general mobilization

In the wake of recent events in the Middle East, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has called for an immediate reinforcement of security measures throughout France. In a telegram sent to prefects, he stressed the need to mobilize all available forces: police, gendarmerie, as well as Operation Sentinelle soldiers, to guarantee the safety of citizens and sensitive sites.

Increased protection during Jewish celebrations
The Minister is calling for maximum vigilance in view of the proximity of the Jewish New Year celebrations (Rosh Hashanah) and the other religious holidays in the month of Tishri:
– Yom Kippur**, October 12
– Sukkot**, October 18 to 24
– Shim’hat Torah**, October 25

Bruno Retailleau is asking prefects to step up security at synagogues and Jewish community gathering places. He also stresses the need for a visible police presence around services to reassure worshippers and deter any attempts at disruption.

Preventing disturbances linked to commemorations
In addition to religious holidays, the Minister stresses the importance of closely monitoring gatherings and demonstrations planned in the run-up to the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attack in Israel. Any incitement to violence or hate speech must be immediately reported and dealt with by the relevant authorities. Prefects are asked to work closely with the judicial authorities to identify and prosecute the perpetrators of threatening behavior.

Reminder of instructions for dealing with hate speech
In another document sent to prefects, the French Ministry of the Interior sets out what to do in the event of the dissemination of messages inciting violence or glorifying terrorism, particularly at demonstrations. It points out that Hamas is recognized as a terrorist organization, and that waving its flag or comparing its actions to a legitimate form of resistance constitutes an offence. Prefects must therefore take care to prevent any form of public support for this group, and intervene in the event of hate speech.

A message of firmness to guarantee national security
The Minister concludes by reaffirming that the security of all must remain an absolute priority, and that any threat, whether directed at the Jewish community or any other group, will be dealt with with the utmost severity. The government is therefore calling for heightened vigilance and exemplary responsiveness to prevent any risk of disturbance to public order.