Israel is to compete in the Invictus games from next year, becoming the 21st nation to participate in the games founded by Prince Harry.

This means that, from 2023, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) personnel and veterans will compete in the games being held in Dusseldorf, Germany from September 9 to September 16, 2023.

Israel is also joining the Invictus Games Foundation’s Community of Nations, which is the charity that oversees the delivery of the Invictus Games, and also “supports its international community with opportunities to use sports, esports and adventurous challenge to inspire, improve and influence recovery”.

The Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans. The first games were held in 2014.

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, founded the Invictus Games in March 2012, with the backing of then-Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

Limor Luria, Deputy Director General and Head of Israel’s Ministry of Defense's Rehabilitation Department, said “We are very grateful for the warm welcome to the Invictus Community of Nations. It is a pleasure to take part in the important work of the Invictus Games Foundation, share our own experience in the sports recovery field, and learn from the community.

“Being a part of the Invictus Community will provide more opportunities for recovery among veterans who were wounded or became ill whilst serving.”

Tzipi Hotovely, Ambassador of Israel to the UK, added: “This adds another layer to the profound relationship between our two nations, with a focus on civil society cooperation.

“This is an extraordinary community that will allow Israel as well as Israeli veterans not only to connect with their counterparts from around the world, and participate in a wonderful event, but also to share knowledge and expertise that Israel has gained in the fields of rehabilitation, mental health and community spirit.”

Israel joins Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Republic of Korea, Romania, UK, Ukraine, and USA as part of the Invictus Games.