Asi Maman
Dan Glazer getting off the plane (Football Association)
A dramatic decision in Israeli sports. ONE has learned that the General Security Service has informed the Ministry of Culture and Sports that it prohibits delegations from Israeli sports from competing and playing abroad until further notice.
Some of the unions and associations received a message today (Tuesday) from the Ministry of Culture and Sports, according to which due to sanctions by Foreign Ministry employees, the GSS announced a ban on certain sports delegations going abroad. The notice was given to each union individually.
Until now, the athletes have traveled abroad accompanied by GSS security guards or private security, but from now on, the Israeli sports bodies were informed that a ban on leaving the country for delegations was imposed in a sweeping manner. “We are in shock,” said senior Israeli sports officials.
The Ministry of Culture and Sports stated: “According to a government decision, the responsibility for securing delegations abroad rests solely with the GSS. All the relevant parties in the ministry are in constant contact with the GSS and the unions in order to try to help and find an agreed solution as soon as possible. We emphasize that the responsibility and guidance on the subject rests solely with the General Security Service. “
The General Security Service responded: “In light of the sanctions currently being taken by Foreign Ministry employees, it is unfortunately not possible to obtain the assistance required abroad to handle the security arrangements relating to the delegations.” Against this background, every request for a delegation is examined in terms of security, in accordance with the criteria. ”
The GSS added: “Due to the non-receipt of any assistance from Foreign Ministry employees, we are unable to fulfill the security responsibility in some of the delegations. It will be emphasized that there is no sweeping ban on the departure of delegations, but targeted messages are sent to delegations for which the responsibility for security cannot be exercised, and these are updated in advance. “
