Exposure: Israeli legionnaires in Europe forced to hire private security

The rising international anti-Israel atmosphere across Europe has led to a worrying trend among senior legionnaires. Players representing the Israeli national team and playing in European clubs have hired personal bodyguards to accompany them in their daily routine outside the pitches due to real fears for their personal safety.

A number of players have recently hired private security services, with some using local companies and others bringing them from Israel. The goal is to ensure their safety outside the protected training complexes of their clubs. This trend has expanded in recent weeks following a series of incidents and localized friction with hostile elements in local communities, which have caused anxiety for the safety of the footballers and their families.

These bodyguards operate in civilian clothing, blending into the environment to avoid attracting attention. Some travel in covert vehicles behind the players, while others arrive at locations where the players spend time. Several cases have been recorded where suspects tried to approach Israeli players in a threatening manner, but they were quickly repelled by the security guards before the situation escalated.

"We are all well aware of the tense and hostile atmosphere that exists today against the State of Israel in every corner of Europe," says the father of one senior footballer. "We concluded that we had no choice but to bring a security guard from Israel, a tough guy you don't want to mess with. He follows my son everywhere at a safe distance. He drives behind him to and from training, and even when he goes out in the evening, the security guard is always within sight. This is no joke; my son is a central figure in his club, and we cannot afford to take unnecessary risks."

In the past, Israeli athletes needed security only in isolated cases. Now, however, security is required due to direct national risks and fear of intentional harm, whether through verbal harassment on social media or physical assault by extremist elements.

Clubs are cooperating. The global anti-Israel atmosphere is negatively affecting Israeli football. Last summer, friendly matches were cancelled due to pressure and protests. Events surrounding Hapoel Tel Aviv in Poland required the involvement of the National Security Council (NSC). Similarly, ahead of Beitar Jerusalem's match in Vienna, there were vigorous protests demanding the meeting be cancelled.

"Inside the club walls, there is no real problem," explains the father of another legionnaire. "But none of the clubs are willing to take responsibility for what happens once the player leaves the training complex. Therefore, we had no choice but to take matters into our own hands." Most clubs are aware of these steps, and some have offered to participate in security costs, which are significant, including high salaries, living expenses, and complex insurance.

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