Israeli Soccer Player, Sagiv Jehezkel Released After On-Pitch Protest in Turkey

Sagiv Jehezkel, an Israeli soccer player suspended by Turkish club Antalyaspor, has been released from police detention after showing a bandaged wrist with the message “100 days, 7/10” in support of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

The reference was to the hostages held for 100 days following a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7. Jehezkel’s suspension was due to his on-pitch protest, and Antalyaspor cited actions against “national values” for excluding him from the squad.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that the player’s release followed Israeli diplomatic efforts with Turkish officials. Turkish Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç criticized Jehezkel’s action as supporting Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The player, who expressed a desire for the war to end, scored six goals in 13 matches for Antalyaspor this season. The investigation into Jehezkel’s actions has concluded, but there is no indication of charges being dropped.