Israel's judo team faced an abrupt evacuation from the Grand Slam tournament in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, under orders from the Israeli Security Agency, known as Shabak. The decision was made in light of deteriorating security conditions following the outbreak of war in Iran. As tensions escalated, officials from the judo body, along with four Israeli athletes, were instructed to withdraw immediately from the competition to ensure their safety.

The incident unfolded when Shabak ordered the judo team to head to the airport at three in the morning, amidst the ongoing competition. Despite having plans to continue their matches over the following days, the urgency of the situation dictated an immediate departure. Reports indicate that players notably expressed disappointment over the abrupt end to their participation, overshadowing what was supposed to be a significant sporting event.

Upon leaving, the team traveled to Munich, Germany, a journey that took over six hours. Their next destination is Austria. This incident underlines the precariousness of the security situation in the region and the extent to which political tensions can disrupt sporting events, reflecting broader implications for international athletics as geopolitical conflicts continue to impact players and teams on the global stage.