Has Israeli war criminal played lead role in Cannes security?
Israeli Brigadier-General Nitzan Nuriel, right, with US Air Force Lt. General Craig Franklin, in 2012. (Eucom)
Ali Abunimah-13 May 2016
The French city of Cannes has denied reports that an Israeli general is overseeing security forces tasked with protecting this year’s film festival, which began on Wednesday.
But authorities in the glamorous Mediterranean resort have confirmed that Brigadier-General Nitzan Nuriel was consulted as part of a security review.
The city now appears to be trying to play down the Israeli general’s role even further.
After two horrific mass attacks by suspected Islamic State extremists in France, and the recent bombings inBrussels, it is right that French authorities would do all they can to keep the festival, which attracts major stars and media attention, safe.
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But it makes no sense for Cannes to turn to an Israeli general whose entire career consists of brutalizing and violating the human rights of millions of Palestinians under military occupation.
A former senior aide to two Israeli prime ministers, Nuriel also took a commanding role in Israel’s 2006 invasion of Lebanon, where Israeli forces indiscriminately targeted civilians in attacks Human Rights Watchcalled war crimes.
Contradictory reports
On Tuesday, the French edition of The Times of Israel reported that Nuriel was involved in overseeing the massive security operation by land, sea and air to protect the festival.
It later amended its article with a retraction and correction, saying that Cannes city hall had denied Nuriel’s involvement.
The website’s English version states that The Hollywood Reporter had “claimed that Nuriel is also in charge of security for the 10-day event.”
“The city of Cannes, however, refuted that claim, saying Nuriel is not involved whatsoever and that security preparations are under the exclusive authority of the interior ministry,” The Times of Israel adds.
