Israel was scheduled to participate in the 1956 Summer Olympic Games, which were held in Melbourne, Australia (with the equestrian events in Stockholm, Sweden). However, due to the outbreak of the Suez Crisis—a conflict involving Israel, the United Kingdom, France, and Egypt—the Israeli Olympic Committee withdrew its athletes before the opening of the Games. Consequently, Israel did not field any competitors, did not win any medals, and did not appear in the official competitor lists for the 1956 Olympics.
Key points
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Planned participation | Israel had intended to send a delegation to Melbourne, continuing its Olympic involvement after its debut in 1952. |
| Reason for withdrawal | The Suez Crisis, which began in late October 1956, led the Israeli government to prioritize national security concerns over sports participation. |
| Actual presence at the Games | No Israeli athletes competed; Israel was absent from the competition roster and official results. |
| Medal count | 0 Gold, 0 Silver, 0 Bronze (no participation). |
| Historical context | The 1956 withdrawal marked the first instance of Israel missing an Olympic Games after its debut. Israel returned to Olympic competition at the 1960 Summer Games in Rome. |
References
- International Olympic Committee (IOC) archives on country participation.
- Records of the Israeli Olympic Committee regarding the 1956 withdrawal.
No further details are available regarding individual athletes or events, as Israel did not send a team to the 1956 Summer Olympics.
