Bureaucratic Hurdles Threaten Israel's Participation in 2026 Winter Olympics

As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina approach, Israel's already limited delegation faces significant bureaucratic obstacles that could further diminish its representation. A new regulation enacted in 2023 stipulates that citizens who do not reside in Israel most of the time are issued a travel document known as a teudat ma’avar instead of a passport. This regulation poses a challenge for elite winter athletes, who typically train abroad due to inadequate facilities in Israel. Currently, only four Israeli athletes have qualified for the games: figure skater Mariia Seniuk, cross-country skier Attila Mihaly Kertesz, and downhill skiing siblings Barnabas and Noa Szollos. However, all of them lack the necessary Israeli passports to compete, raising concerns among Olympic officials.

Times of IsraelBureaucratic hurdles cast doubt on Israel's participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics

Yael Arad, president of the Olympic Committee of Israel (OCI), expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “We feel like our athletes are sort of held hostage” by the law. The OCI has been actively seeking resolution with government authorities but has faced delays due to the absence of a sitting interior minister, a position that has been vacant since October. Gili Lustig, the OCI's CEO, emphasized the importance of having the Israeli flag represented at the Olympics, stating that it is a “huge crisis” for the organization. Lustig noted that while Israel has never won a Winter Olympics medal, the symbolic presence of its athletes is crucial, especially amid ongoing international tensions and calls for boycotts.

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The situation is particularly critical for Israel's bobsleigh team, led by pilot AJ Edelman. The OCI has mandated that only Israeli citizens compete for Olympic qualification, despite the team previously including non-citizen athletes. Lustig argued that maintaining a team of Israeli citizens is essential for fostering a culture of achievement. However, David Greaves, president of the Israeli Olympic Bobsleigh Skeleton Federation, contended that the team's performance has remained consistent regardless of the athlete composition. He stated, “The performance is the same, essentially the same,” highlighting the unpredictable nature of competitive sports.

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The OCI's insistence on sending a delegation of Israeli citizens reflects a broader desire to uphold national pride during a time of conflict. Lustig remarked, “During this period, we see the matter of having the Israeli flag raised with pride at the Olympic Games as the most important thing in the Olympic movement.” The OCI aims to send a delegation of four to five athletes, with the potential for more if the bobsleigh team qualifies in upcoming races.

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While the OCI has described the passport issue as unprecedented, some officials within the bobsleigh federation believe that the team can still perform well with a fully Israeli roster. The lack of a functioning interior minister complicates the situation further, as no exceptions can be granted without ministerial approval.

Bureaucratic hurdles cast doubt on Israel's participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics

• “We feel like our athletes are sort of held hostage” — Yael Arad, President of the Olympic Committee of Israel

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• “This is a situation that I don’t think we’ve ever had before,” — Yael Arad, President of the Olympic Committee of Israel

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• “It’s inconceivable that we would allow athletes who are not Israeli to lead this team, this discipline,” — Yael Arad, President of the Olympic Committee of Israel

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• “The performance is the same, essentially the same,” — David Greaves, President of the Israeli Olympic Bobsleigh Skeleton Federation

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As the Olympics draw near, the OCI continues to navigate these bureaucratic challenges, emphasizing the importance of representation and national pride in the face of adversity.

Times of Israel