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Home Posts It’s Not Just Sports: On the Arrest of the Israeli Soccer Player in Turkey

It’s Not Just Sports: On the Arrest of the Israeli Soccer Player in Turkey
Gallia Lindenstrauss, Rémi Daniel 15 January, 2024
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The indictment and arrest of Sagiv Jehezkel, who played on the Antalyaspor soccer team in Turkey, for expressing his sympathy with a message marking the 100 days since the kidnapping and killing of Israelis in the Hamas attack of October 7, illustrate two phenomena that shape Turkish society in recent times.

First, Turkish public discourse overall is highly hostile to Israel. Since October 7, many individuals and institutions in Turkey have spoken out in favor of Hamas, and although it is evident that the basis of Turkish support for the organization is a general identification with the Palestinian issue, there are unreserved expressions of support for the organization’s actions and its operatives. The gesture by an Israeli player of commemorating the 100 days was seen as  “incitement” and “an act that goes against Turkish national values".

Second, the incident once again demonstrates the role of the Turkish justice system in silencing discourse that does not align with the government line. Before Jehezkel, and regarding other issues as well, many cases were opened with the charge of “incitement” against opposition members, journalists, and public figures who expressed a position different from that of the government or criticized it.

The arrest sparked many reactions in Israel. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reacted in a relatively unusual way on the issue and accused Turkey of being “Hamas’s operational arm.”

There are other Israeli athletes likewise playing on Turkish teams and facing a complex situation since October 7. Israeli athletes on Turkish teams have often served as a bridge to bring the peoples together. Notable, for example, was Haim Revivo, who played on the leading Turkish teams Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray. Damage to the chances of future Israeli athletes choosing to play in Turkey is a further blow to the relations between the countries. This joins the threats by Israeli retailers to reduce the scope of purchases from Turkey and calls in Turkish public opinion to cease trade with Israel. Accordingly, there are reasons for concern, because in times of crisis between the countries, many times the softer aspects were what prevented Turkey from severing its relations with Israel.

Topics: Turkey
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  • Research

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      • Israel and the Global Powers
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      • Iran and the Shi'ite Axis
      • Iran
      • Lebanon and Hezbollah
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