The fog of war.
Israeli surfers with dreams of becoming deeply enveloped by crystalline barrels whilst, afterward, enjoying top-of-the-line lobster eggs benedicts were dealt a harsh blow this morning as wave-rich Maldives declared them not welcome. President Mohamed Muizzu, through his spokesman, shared that he has, “resolved to impose a ban on Israeli passports.”
Israel’s foreign ministry, feeling tit-for-tattish, said that Israeli surfers didn’t really want to go to the Maldives in the first place and if any are accidentally currently there, “it is recommended to consider leaving, because if they find themselves in distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to assist.”
The move is the latest in a series designed to squeeze Israeli surfers over frustrations with the ongoing war in Gaza. Last month, Turkey banned the import and export of goods to and from Israel. Media reports suggest it has resulted in significant shortages of Turkish surf changing towels and robes, considered the best for softness and durability.
On Friday, the French noted that Israeli companies would not be allowed to have a booth in the Eurosatory Arms Fair in Europe. It is unclear in the ban will extend across the Atlantic to Surf Expo.
Official data from the first four months of this year has shown the number of Israeli surfers visiting the Maldives is already down 88%. While restrictions are generally unchill, the lack of Israeli surfers in lineups is quietly being celebrated with some hoping bans on Russian surfers, Brazilian surfers and surfers from Australia’s Gold Coast not named Paul Fisher will follow.
Paul Fisher is a universal good time.