Football (soccer) and basketball are considered the most popular sports in Israel. The nation has reached many achievements in other sports, such as handball and track and field athletics, in addition to a wide variety of other athletic activities.

When it comes to sports in Israel, the emphasis has traditionally been on participation rather than the production of elite athletes. Part of the reason for this is the necessary compulsory military service that almost all Israelis perform after turning 18 years old. Another reason may be in the Jewish ethos and psyche that has tradtionally considered always endorsed athletic pursuits as a form of competition. This can be seen in the story of the Maccabees (and Hanukkah) and their rejection of the Ancient Olympic ideals.