"Codename for Hamas": Reserve soldier and former legend attack Ireland

Just before the Israel national team's match against Ireland in the Nations League, Tal Ben Haim and Menashe Zalka harshly attacked the Irish over antisemitic remarks and steps taken by the Irish team. Ben Haim criticized the Ireland coach who called the match "against genocide," and Zalka accused the Irish of identifying with Hamas under a "word laundry." Both expressed support for the Israel national team players.

Just before the Israel national team's match against Ireland in the Nations League, Tal Ben Haim, former captain of the Israel national team, and Menashe Zalka, a reserve soldier, harshly attacked the Irish team on social media. Zalka referred to the Ireland coach's comments calling the match "against genocide" and wrote that he is a clear antisemite who ignored the October 7 massacre and adopted the Hamas narrative. He called for not shaking hands with the Irish coach and described the black armbands the Irish intend to wear as a "codename for identifying with the Hamas enemy." Ben Haim attacked the Irish Football Association for having "trampled, disrespected, and corrupted" football, and claimed that money Irish players offered to donate to Gaza goes to Hamas. He expressed support for the Israel national team players and called on them to play for the soldiers and the fallen. Both posts reflect a hawkish national-Jewish stance against the backdrop of the conflict.