The Israel men's national lacrosse team is governed by the Israel Lacrosse Association. Israel hosted the 2018 World Lacrosse Championships in Netanya. Their best finish had the blue and white taking gold at the 2025 European Championships; defeating Italy in the finals. Previously, their best finish was at the 2016 European Lacrosse Championship, winning the silver medal.[1] Israel finished in 7th place at the 2023 World Lacrosse Championship in San Diego, the 2018 World Lacrosse Championship in Netanya and the 2014 World Lacrosse Championship in Denver.
Israel became able to compete in international tournaments once the Israel Lacrosse Association was officially recognized by World Lacrosse in April 2011.[2] In preparation for their first World Lacrosse Championship in 2014, Israel held tryouts in July 2013 at Wingate Institute in Netanya, selecting a roster of 46 men.[3] The roster consisted of both Israelis and non-Israeli Jews from around the world, with the majority of the roster composed of Americans.[3] Any Jew, due to being eligible for Israeli citizenship under the law of return may play for Israel in the tournament, based on the rules of World Lacrosse.[4]
World Lacrosse Championships
Israel first competed at the World Lacrosse Championship in 2014, played in Denver, Colorado. Israel finished in 7th place out of 38 teams, after winning six of their eight games played.
Playing in its first-ever world championships, Israel very nearly duplicated Scotland's feat, twice narrowly falling in games that could have advanced the team into the Blue Division. After reaching the quarterfinals, the Israelis led Australia in the third quarter before dropping a tough 9-8 decision.[5] Then in a placement round game, Israel made a dramatic comeback to push England to overtime before suffering a 10-9 setback.[6] Israel finished seventh after defeating Blue Division squad Japan.
Manchester, England was originally selected to host the tournament, but withdrew in May 2017.[8][9] Instead, the championships took place in Netanya, Israel between 12 and 21 July 2018.[10] This was the first World Lacrosse Championship played outside of the United States, Canada, England, or Australia.
From Friday, 13 July to Saturday, 21 July, the tournament games were played at Wingate Institute. Located on 50 hectares (120 acres), the Wingate Institute serves as Israel's National Centre for Physical Education and Sport. The campus doubles as both the State of Israel's primary university for the development of physical education teachers, as well as the nation's official training centre for national teams, the Israel Olympic Team, and national and international sports science conferences. The campus hosts the Israel Olympiada annually and the Maccabiah Games every four years. Wingate Stadium also serves as the home field for the Israel National Rugby Team.
During the 2016 Championship, Israel competed for the second time.
In the quarterfinals Israel defeated Germany 8–4 to improve to 6–0 in the tournament.[20] Tied 2-2 during half time, Israel scored four goals in the second half to give them the victory.[21]
In the semifinals Israel defeated Wales 10–3. Israel had a 5–0 lead at halftime, and a 6–0 lead at the end of the third quarter. With the victory Israel improved to 7–0.[22]
In the finals Israel lost to England 7–6. Israel originally leading 3–2 at halftime, held a 4–3 lead in the third quarter, before England went on to score four unanswered goals.[23] With the loss, Israel won the silver medal.[24]
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