Israel withdraw from tennis tournament as ‘very young’ players scared | Tennis | Sport

Israel have pulled out of their upcoming Billie Jean King Cup tie in Bosnia and Herzegovina, citing security concerns. The news was confirmed by the Israel Tennis Association (ITA) on Thursday, with their withdrawal request being granted by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

The decision followed a ‘comprehensive review’ of the domestic security situation and specific risks linked to travel, according to The Times of Israel. The country’s tennis federation said they had identified ‘concrete concerns regarding the safety of the players’. The location of the tie was considered, with the ITA adding that Bosnia was ‘not considered particularly favourable to Israel‘.

The presence of other national teams from Muslim-majority countries, including the likes of Egypt and Morocco, was also referenced by the federation.

Israel had considered volunteering to host the tie, but that option was ruled out due to the ongoing security situation in the country.

Ronen Morley, the Israel captain, explained that the decision to withdraw from the tie aligned with guidance from security authorities.

He said: “Had the trip been set for today, Israeli security authorities wouldn’t let us leave. Our first and foremost responsibility is to keep the players safe.”

Morley also said that concerns were expressed by players within the Israel squad, noting that many of them are at an early stage of their careers.

He insisted the decision was the right one “under the current circumstances” and that it followed “concerns expressed by the players, the majority of whom are very young, and the certainty that this will not harm them professionally”.

The move follows a recent travel warning issued by the National Security Council of Israel, citing concerns that terrorist groups may attempt to target Israelis abroad.

It comes after Israel and the United States launched bombing operations against Iran’s nuclear and missile programs in late February.

A handful of tennis events were affected when Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting American bases in neighbouring countries throughout the Middle East.

The inaugural Fujairah Challenger, which was held in the United Arab Emirates, was brought to an early end after just two days of play because of nearly strikes.