Israel’s Coach Says ‘You’ll Need an M-16’ to Contain Giannis Before Greece Showdown
Riga (Quds News Network)- Israel’s national basketball team coach, Ariel Beit-Halahmy, said, “You’d need an M-16” to stop Greek basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo, when asked how he planned to contain him. His remarks sparked outrage on social media, with many users pointing to the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza.
The team’s staff tried to prevent the remark from being published shortly after it was made, according to reports.
Given the expectation that Antetokounmpo would play against Israel, Beit-Halahmy was asked about the best way to stop the Milwaukee Bucks superstar, to which he said to Israeli reporters in Latvia, “You’d need to bring an M-16, I think. That would be easiest.”
His remarks have been widely criticized online, with many citing Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.
“Hey man I don’t think a basketball coach should be allowed to joke about shooting the opposing team’s star. Especially not the coach of the national team of a country actively engaged in genocide right now,” wrote Coach Lew.
Israel Coach's Questionable Statement on How To Stop Giannis Antetokounmpo
You need to bring an M-16, I think," said Ariel Beit-Halahmy ahead of last Saturday's Round of 16 Greece-Israel Eurobasket matchup. Fans were upset at this joke, saying, "Kick them out of the tournament… pic.twitter.com/OHLXjBLnNU
— The SportsRush (@TheSportsRushUS) September 9, 2025
Israelis explaining defense: imagine you shoot a civilian https://t.co/Y331Db3uP0
— President-Elect Toguro (@PresidentToguro) September 8, 2025
