Israeli Internationals Operating Covertly Abroad

It’s time we started paying a bit more attention to those tough Israelis operating covertly across international borders. And no, I’m not talking about The Mossad.

Whilst the country of Israel continues to make headlines worldwide in the fight against terrorism, the Israeli national team finds itself in the midst of a World Cup Qualifying dogfight in Europe’s Group 2.

For obvious geopolitical reasons, Israel, a tiny Middle Eastern nation – is stuck qualifying for the World Cup out of Europe’s football association, UEFA and thus the blue and white clad squad haven’t reached a World Cup in forty years.

But 2009 is a new year and optimism surrounds the Israeli football squad with no less than 11 national team regulars plying their trade in Europe’s top leagues (Spain, Germany, etc.) – including 3 in the world’s greatest competition, the English Premier League.

So, I invite you to join me as we shift our media focus from attacking Hamas tunnels to counter-attacking Greek and Swiss defenses in an attempt to reach the promised land: South Africa in 2010. Let’s forget about those elections involving politicians with strange names like Bibi, Tzipi, and Ehud – dressed in suits and making promises, and instead focus on those fancy footballers with strange names like Yossi, Dudu, and Gal – dressed in Puma and taking penalties.

While the ride may be just as stressful, I promise that the coverage will be more fun. Welcome.