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 independent travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. This was a refusal of a government-sponsored public-relations trip, not a blanket refusal to visit Israel or an antisemitic act. [JTA]

Where Galil stands

Our opinion: Bennett declined a government-sponsored public-relations trip while saying he still planned independent travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Galil disagrees with his decision; this record does not describe a blanket refusal to visit Israel.

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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.