Deni Avdija Faces Backlash After Netanyahu’s All-Star Praise

Deni Avdija’s historic selection to the NBA All-Star Game should have been a moment of national celebration. Instead, it has become the latest flashpoint in a growing campaign to politicize Israeli identity on the world stage.

Shortly after the 25-year-old Portland Trail Blazers forward was named a Western Conference All-Star reserve the first Israeli in history to achieve the honor Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a congratulatory message: “Every time you step onto the court, our country shines with pride.”

While the sentiment echoed what millions of Israelis were feeling, the response online was immediate and hostile. Anti-Israel activists flooded social media with vitriol, targeting both Avdija and the NBA. The backlash centered not on the athlete’s performance he’s averaging 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists this season but on his Israeli identity and mandatory military service in the IDF.

Some widely shared posts falsely labeled Avdija a “war criminal” simply for having served his country, as required by law. Palestinian flags filled the replies. One viral comment read: “Deni, every time you step onto the court, I think about the child you killed in Gaza.” Another accused the NBA of “honoring genocide,” using Avdija’s selection to launch political attacks on Israel.

Though the attacks were fueled by Netanyahu’s message, they were clearly aimed at delegitimizing Israel by targeting one of its most visible young ambassadors on the global stage. Critics used a photo of Avdija in IDF uniform taken in April 2020 when he fulfilled his national service during the COVID-19 pandemic as a pretext to vilify him. Yet the facts remain clear: Avdija served in a non-combat role under Israel’s “outstanding athlete” program, which allows elite talents to continue representing the country while completing military obligations.

The backlash also spread to international media. Australia’s ABC questioned the prime minister’s decision to comment, seemingly missing the larger story that an Israeli-born player had just joined the ranks of global basketball’s elite. Reporter Chris De Silva noted Netanyahu had not previously expressed interest in the NBA, but failed to acknowledge the national significance of the milestone for millions of Israelis.

Meanwhile, Avdija has remained focused on his team, not the political firestorm. He has not commented publicly on the backlash likely because, for him, the game is still about the game.

This episode is a stark reminder of how even moments of joy for Israelis are often hijacked by those eager to wage political warfare on every global platform. But Deni Avdija’s achievement stands on its own. He earned his All-Star selection through relentless work, consistency, and sportsmanship.

That he chooses to represent Israel proudly on and off the court is something to be celebrated, not condemned.

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