IOC Suspends Indonesia Olympic Talks Over Israel Visa Ban

Indonesia denied visas to the Israeli gymnastics team for the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta, citing solidarity with Palestine, public‑security concerns and its policy of not recognising Israel. Israel appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which rejected the appeal. In response, the IOC executive board recommended international federations refrain from staging events or meetings in Indonesia and suspended dialogue on Indonesian bids for Olympic, Youth Olympic and other Olympic Movement events until Jakarta guarantees entry for all participants. The IOC said the ban undermines Olympic principles of non‑discrimination and political neutrality, will revisit the matter at upcoming executive meetings, and warned of potential reputational and financial consequences if it is not resolved. Sports Minister Erick Thohir defended the visa refusal as necessary to maintain security, public order and the public interest, saying Indonesia "understands the consequences" while intending to remain active in regional and global sport. The incident follows earlier controversies that cost Indonesia hosting rights to other events and now appears to jeopardise its aspirations to host the 2036 Olympics; Israeli officials welcomed the IOC action.