Tel Aviv in the Crossfire: How Football, Basketball, and the University Keep the Wheels Turning

It's Monday, the 2nd of March, 2026. While we back home follow the diplomatic crisis meetings and threat levels following the weekend's events with keen interest, the reality on the ground in Tel Aviv is far more nuanced. For those of us who have followed this region for decades, it's the contrasts that really strike you: the city breathes, lives, and operates with an intensity that defies all the warning signs. It's this duality that makes Tel Aviv a fascinating case study, whether you're an investor, a football fan, or a researcher.

Blue-and-yellow fighting spirit amid red alerts

At Bloomfield Stadium, shared by the city's two great pride and joys, the geopolitical temperature is immediately palpable. Maccabi Tel Aviv FC played their last home game recently, and the atmosphere was electric – and not just because of the chase for points. Several people I spoke with after the match described it as a rallying point, a way of showing that everyday life goes on. Their rivals, Hapoel Tel-Aviv, also have their devoted fans, known for their left-wing profile and deep engagement in the local community. At a time when national divisions are deepening, these local derbies become a release valve and a reminder that identity isn't just about conflict lines, but also about community and passion. For the clubs, this means increased security costs, but also a huge commercial opportunity: crowd engagement is at its peak when the outside world seems unstable.

The same picture emerges in the basketball arena. Hapoel Tel Aviv B.C. has had a strong season in the Israeli league, attracting talent that sees opportunity where others see risk. An agent with several European players in the league didn't mince words, stating that clauses around security and insurance are now just as important as salary negotiations. Yet, the desire to play in Tel Aviv remains high – the city offers a vibrant nightlife and an international atmosphere that balances out the unpredictable security situation. For sponsors and media outlets, this means the 'Maccabi' and 'Hapoel' brands are more valuable than ever; they're not just selling sport, they're selling a narrative of resilience.

Knowledge as a boundless resource

A few kilometres from Bloomfield lies Tel Aviv University, one of Israel's leading research institutions. The campus in Ramat Aviv feels like a green oasis, but the tremors are felt here too. The university has long been a magnet for international students, including many from the Nordic countries. This year, we're seeing a notable increase in applications from young people wanting to delve into conflict resolution, high-tech, and medicine – fields where Tel Aviv truly ranks among the world's best.

The administration is now working around the clock to adapt to a reality where lectures might suddenly be replaced by online meetings, and where research collaborations with overseas partners must weigh the need for physical presence against security risks. The interesting thing is that many of the technological solutions being developed right here – in cyber defence, remote surgery, and artificial intelligence – become even more relevant in a time of crisis. For Norwegian investors and tech companies, Tel Aviv University is therefore not just an academic institution, but a strategic partner. I envisage more Norwegian venture capital firms increasing their presence in the city over the next year, precisely because the expertise being developed here has unique applications in an uncertain world.

Business opportunities in the shadow of conflict

As an analyst, it's tempting to dwell on the macroeconomic consequences of current events. We've seen similar patterns before: immediate panic in the stock market, followed by rapid adaptation. What sets today's situation apart is that Tel Aviv's business community has built remarkable resilience. The city's start-up scene, often dubbed 'Silicon Wadi', continues to attract capital despite – or perhaps because of – the constant threat. Investment is now particularly focused on:

• Security Technology: Surveillance systems, cyber defence, and emergency preparedness solutions for civilian populations.
• AgriTech and Water Management: Technologies ensuring food and water security in a region marked by uncertainty.
• Digital Health: Solutions for remote treatment and crisis management, developed in collaboration with Tel Aviv University and the area's hospitals.

For Norwegian businesses increasingly looking towards new markets, Tel Aviv is a gateway. Not just to Israel, but to the entire region. The major players in shipping, energy, and finance have already established a presence here. What surprises me is that more medium-sized Norwegian companies haven't discovered the potential. At a time when the oil fund and other institutional investors are crying out for sustainable and innovative projects, Tel Aviv is the goldmine sitting right in the eye of the storm.

I've sat in meetings with both Maccabi executives and university researchers over the past week. Common to all of them is an almost stoic calm – a conviction that the work they are doing is more important than the noise outside. It's this attitude that makes Tel Aviv more than just a dot on the map. It's a reminder that economic value and human creativity thrive best when they are challenged. For those of us navigating this landscape, whether as investors, sports enthusiasts, or academics, it's about understanding that risk and opportunity are two sides of the same coin. And right now, at the beginning of March 2026, that coin is spinning constantly.