Israeli Footballers in Europe Hire Private Security Amid Rising Anti-Israel Tensions
Amid escalating anti-Israel sentiment across Europe, senior Israeli footballers playing for European clubs and representing the national team have begun hiring private personal security to protect themselves off the pitch. This trend has intensified in recent weeks following several hostile incidents involving local hostile elements, raising concerns for the players' and their families' safety. Some players employ local security firms, while others bring bodyguards from Israel, often former combat unit members, to accompany them during daily activities outside their clubs' protected training facilities.
The personal guards typically operate discreetly in civilian clothing, maintaining close but unobtrusive proximity to the players, including traveling with them to training and social outings. Several threatening encounters have already been reported, with security teams successfully preventing escalation. One player's father explained that the security presence is necessary due to the tense and hostile atmosphere toward Israel throughout Europe, emphasizing the player's dual role as an Israeli citizen and a key figure in his club.
Previously, Israeli athletes only required security in isolated criminal incidents unrelated to political tensions, such as Eran Zahavi's private security after a violent home robbery in the Netherlands. Now, the need stems from direct national security risks and fears of targeted verbal and physical attacks by extremist local groups. European clubs are generally aware of these measures, with some offering to share security costs or provide local security personnel, though importing Israeli guards entails significant expenses including salaries, housing, travel, and insurance.
The broader anti-Israel climate has also affected Israeli football teams' schedules, with friendly matches canceled due to local protests and pressure, as seen with Hapoel Tel Aviv in Poland and Beitar Jerusalem in Vienna. While clubs provide perimeter security during training and matches, they do not assume responsibility for players' safety outside club grounds, prompting families to arrange private protection. This development reflects the complex challenges Israeli sports face amid rising international tensions.
