"Make Israel proud". With a social media message, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intervened on the tensions that have accompanied the Vuelta in Spain in recent days. The cycling stage race was indeed stopped, on Wednesday in Bilbao, by pro-Palestinian protesters, and the organizers decided to "neutralize" the stage by preventing the riders from continuing. Problems were also encountered yesterday on the final climb, that of the Angliru.

The protest stems from the fact that Israel Premier Tech, a team financed by billionaire Sylvan Adams, is participating in the Vuelta. "Great work, Sylvan and Israel Cycling Team, for not giving in to hate and intimidation! Make Israel proud!" Netanyahu wrote on his official prime ministerial profile.

The presence of Team Israel has provoked controversy, up to the episode of the 11th stage, when a group of activists threatened to invade the route, triggering scenes of tension and pushing against the barriers. Since then, every stage has been marked by uncertainty, with stringent security measures around the Israeli team's bus and demonstrations during the crossing of various cities.