The World Bowls Tour (WBT) had previously justified the exclusion, citing “a significant escalation in related political concerns” following Israeli participation in the Scottish International Open in August. The ban, intended to safeguard the event’s “success and integrity,” drew criticism from Zionist organisations and local MP Rupert Lowe, who slammed it as “mob rule.”

On Tuesday, the WBT issued a revised statement allowing the Israeli players to compete and extended an apology for the earlier decision.

This comes despite pressure from several pro-Palestinian groups, including Palestine Action and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, who had urged its supporters to sign a petition calling for the players’ invitations to be rescinded.

In its campaign, the group accused Israel of committing apartheid against Palestinians and called for its players to be banned under the 1977 Gleneagles Agreement – originally signed to exclude South Africa.