World Indoor Bowls Tour Reinstates Israeli Players After Backlash

The decision to initially ban Israeli participants was reversed following widespread criticism and increased security measures at the tournament venue.

The World Bowls Tour (WBT) reversed its decision to exclude Israeli players from the upcoming World Indoor Bowls Championships in Norfolk, England.
The initial ban followed pressure from pro-Palestinian activist groups citing political concerns over Israel's actions in Gaza after the October 2023 Hamas attacks.
Jewish groups, local MP Rupert Lowe, and former Sports Minister Stuart Andrew condemned the initial move as discriminatory and called for its reversal.
The WBT cited safety and security concerns as the reason for the original decision but announced increased security measures to allow Israeli players to participate.
This marks the second time in recent years that an Israeli sports ban was overturned, echoing a similar reversal at the 2023 Ice Hockey World Championships.