Israeli Sports Minister Calls for Harsher Punishments to Curb Football Violence

In response to the surge of violent incidents in Israeli football at the start of the season, Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar addressed the issue during a live broadcast on Sport 5 on August 26, 2026. Zohar emphasized the need for stricter law enforcement, stating that the police must act more aggressively to prevent violence in stadiums. He expressed regret over the poor start to the season and highlighted ongoing efforts to collaborate with relevant ministers in the police and justice departments to tackle the problem.

Zohar acknowledged his limited authority over police and judicial matters but stressed the importance of prosecuting violent fans to deter repeat offenses. He criticized the current judicial system for treating football violence too leniently and called for a dedicated judge to handle such cases, recognizing the severity of the issue. The minister also mentioned the establishment of a police unit focused on preventing violence, equipped with substantial funding, undercover officers, and plans to implement facial recognition cameras and regulate pyrotechnics.

Reflecting on effective measures, Zohar noted that punishing entire teams by deducting points has significantly reduced violence, as fans tend to prioritize their clubs over personal grievances. He lamented that individual punishments have been insufficient and urged for more comprehensive enforcement.

Regarding the potential return of EuroLeague basketball games to Israel, Zohar conveyed cautious optimism. He said Israeli representatives are actively working to bring the games back, but geopolitical instability and tensions with Iran currently prevent any guarantees. He concluded that if EuroLeague matches resume, it could revitalize Israeli sports, although no clear timeline exists yet.