EuroLeague Officials Optimistic About Return of Games to Israel

Minister Zohar stated that the Israeli government is committed to ensuring the safety of EuroLeague teams in Israel, asserting that the country is safer than Dubai, where games are currently scheduled. He also assured that immediate evacuation procedures would be in place if war were to break out. Representatives from all three Israeli clubs reported feeling more hopeful about the games returning to Israel after the officials' visit. In the interim, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem will continue playing their home European games in Belgrade, while Hapoel Tel Aviv will play in Sofia, at least until November. If the decision is negative, the clubs will proceed with finalizing arrangements to play in Cyprus starting in early November. The meetings included discussions with ambassadors from European countries and interactions with players and their partners to gauge their feelings about living and playing in Israel. The EuroLeague officials also observed full stadiums at a football match and a basketball game, as well as visited crowded restaurants, to assess the public atmosphere.