In the intensifying attempts to punish Israel for the war in Gaza, pressure is increasing in sports and culture.

In Spain, a cycling race faced protests against the Israeli team, while in Poland, fans booed the Israeli anthem before a basketball match. Several European countries are threatening to boycott a popular entertainment event if Israel participates.

The global reaction to the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Gaza has affected sports and cultural spheres. Critics of Israel argue that the country should be excluded from international competitions similar to how Russia was after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Unlike Russia, which faced widespread condemnation and Western sanctions, Israel has not been excluded from international sports organizations such as the International Olympic Committee or FIFA. Global sports institutions, except for a small international Muay Thai federation, have shown no desire to restrict the participation of Israeli athletes under their country’s flag.

Statement by the Prime Minister of Spain

This week, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, an opponent of the Jewish state, supported protesters against Israel, expressing the opinion that Israeli athletes should be boycotted until the “barbarism” in Gaza ceases. Following this, the Spanish state broadcasting company, along with four other European countries, threatens not to broadcast the Eurovision contest next year if Israel participates.

Also last week, some Hollywood directors and actors signed a pledge to boycott Israeli film institutions, including festivals and channels.

Israel’s Response to the Deviation of the Spanish Premier

Israel reacted sharply to Sanchez’s call for a sports boycott. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar characterized the Spanish leader as an “anti-Semite and liar.” The country, amid international isolation and growing criticism of its military campaign in Gaza, which followed the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas terrorists, remains steadfast.

At the moment, the damage from the conflict is difficult to establish: the Gaza Health Ministry reports more than 64,000 killed in the sector, but the data cannot be verified.

Position of International Sports Federations

How Spain’s decision will affect international sports events is still unknown. No world leader has supported Sanchez’s initiative to exclude Israel from sports.

This week, a British parliamentarian called on the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to “immediately cancel” the match of the London club Aston Villa against Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv, citing the need to ensure public safety. However, UEFA has shown no readiness to follow this example.

Fans and Protests

During the Israeli men’s national team’s match at EuroBasket in Poland, protests took place outside the buildings, and the Israeli anthem was booed. A year ago, fans of the Maccabi Tel Aviv club were attacked in Amsterdam, indicating a rise in anti-Israeli sentiments in the international sports environment.

In Europe, protests against Israeli teams often occur, but adherence to rules on political messages remains an issue. In this context, Israel’s current position in sports seems less threatening, although some analysts argue that such actions, especially from Spain, open new discussions about the country’s future in the world of sports.

Despite the lack of new monitoring by international sports federations, the current situation remains quite challenging for Israel. The country’s place on the international sports stage continues to be contested, and discontent is growing.