Michael Bennett: On the Record

NFL player Michael Bennett publicly withdrew from an Israeli-government-sponsored trip in protest.

On the record

• February 2017 — Withdrew from an Israeli-government-sponsored NFL players’ trip, publishing a statement citing sympathy for Palestinians and objecting to being made an “ambassador of good will.” [ESPN] [Washington Post]

The context

Bennett said he still planned to visit Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza himself. This was a political boycott of a PR trip, not an antisemitic act. We frame it that way.

Where Galil stands

Our opinion: He made a public show of refusing to so much as visit Israel on its invitation. That’s his call; we don’t stand with it.

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Facts here are documented public statements and actions, sourced and linked, current as of July 2026. Everything under “Where Galil stands” is our opinion. Believe a factual claim is wrong? Email us and we’ll review and correct it.