Bar Refaeli Hosts Ninja Israel 2026 With New Course in Southern Israel
After a three-year hiatus, the popular Israeli sports and adrenaline show "Ninja Israel" is returning to Keshet 12 with a new season set to be particularly spectacular. Since its debut in 2018, the show has become a cultural phenomenon, and this year it will feature a brand-new team and an unprecedented large obstacle course constructed for the first time in southern Israel, marking a significant shift from the previous location at Haifa Port.
The new season will be hosted by internationally renowned Israeli model Bar Refaeli, marking her television hosting debut in this genre. She replaces former hosts Assi Azar and Rotem Sela. The commentary team will continue to be led by Niv Reskin, who has been with the show since its inception, and will be joined by two new commentators: Yogev Malka, the winner of the fifth season who matched a world record by climbing the Midoriyama in just 22 seconds, and Peter Palchik, Israel's most decorated Olympic judoka who won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and carried the Israeli flag at the opening ceremony.
The new course in southern Israel reflects the producers' desire to expand the show’s reach and bring the Ninja experience to new regions. "Ninja Israel" has not only broken prime-time ratings records but also revolutionized local sports culture, leading to the opening of numerous training facilities and climbing walls across the country and making ninja sports accessible to a broad Israeli audience.
The show has created memorable television moments and local heroes, such as Yuval Shmila, the first Israeli Ninja and 16th worldwide to conquer the daunting Midoriyama mountain, and Yogev Malka, who replicated this feat the following season. Filming for the new season will begin soon, with broadcasts expected later this year on Keshet 12. The season is produced by Endemol Shine Israel and Baron Productions, directed and edited by Yossi Elias. Registration for the 2026 season is officially open, and the search for Israel’s next Ninja is underway.
