At Ben Gurion Airport’s crowded check-in hall, 24-year-old soccer fan Tamar Levi clutches her FIFA U-20 World Cup ticket, her excitement modified by new security checks. Israel’s first-ever FIFA hosting, starting July 10, has prompted the airport to roll out intensified measures for the 60,000 expected visitors, a response to recent regional tensions. “I can’t wait for the matches, but the extra scans make you think twice,” Tamar said, glancing at the armed guards.
A May 4 Houthi missile strike near the airport, which halted flights, spurred the upgrades: AI-driven scanners, more patrols, and stricter luggage checks. “We’re ensuring a safe welcome,” said airport chief Shmuel Zakay. The tournament, spanning Tel Aviv and Haifa, follows a June 23 ceasefire with Iran, but authorities remain vigilant after the 2023 Hamas conflict.
Tamar, a Jerusalem student, saved for a year to attend. “Soccer unites us,” she said, her voice bright but cautious. “Still, you feel the tension.” The tourism sector, down 28% since 2023 per the Central Bureau of Statistics, sees the event as a lifeline. Visitors, like a British fan who grumbled about delays, appreciate the safety but not the wait. “It’s thorough, but I missed my shuttle,” he said.
Social media buzzes with excitement for the games, tempered by security concerns. “FIFA in Israel is huge, but get to the airport early,” tweeted a local. The measures will stay through July 31, as Tamar dreams of cheering in the stands, a moment of joy in a tense region.
