JERUSALEM (VINnews) — An unusual controversy erupted at the Winter Olympics in Italy after Stephan Renna, a commentator on Switzerland’s public broadcaster RTS, used a live broadcast to criticize a member of Israel national bobsleigh team at what was seen as a landmark moment for Israeli winter sports.

As the bobsleigh event got underway and Israeli driver Adam Edelman was introduced, the commentator shifted from sports coverage to the athlete’s personal views. “There is one more sled to see, that of Israeli Adam Edelman,” he said, before adding: “Edelman, first participation in the Olympic Games, who defines himself as a Zionist to the core.”

René then escalated his remarks, claiming: “I quote, he posted several messages on social media supporting genocide in Gaza,” and stated that “the term genocide is the one used by the UN Commission of Inquiry regarding the region.”

Imagine calling the Olympics and spending 90 seconds defaming an Olympian.@RadioTeleSuisse‘s Stefan Renna did that.

He says Israeli Bobsledder @reakajedelman supports genocide.

I challenge the talking period cramp to show any proof of him supporting “genocide.”

Sue him, AJ. pic.twitter.com/YJU6276s8l

— dahlia kurtz ✡︎ דליה קורץ (@DahliaKurtz) February 17, 2026

He further alleged that Edelman had described Israel’s military campaign as “the most morally justified war in history,” and claimed the athlete had mocked a “Free Palestine” graffiti slogan during a World Cup event.

The most contentious comment came when René questioned Edelman’s participation in the Games: “One may ask questions about his presence here in Cortina during the Olympics, since the International Olympic Committee has stated that athletes who actively supported war are not eligible to compete.” He added that similar principles had been applied to Russian athletes competing under a neutral flag.

The remarks were made as Israel marked a rare achievement in winter sports, an arena where the country has historically had minimal representation. For a small delegation from a nation without a winter sports tradition, mere participation is widely viewed as a notable milestone.

As of now, no official response has been issued by RTS, the International Olympic Committee, or Israeli Olympic authorities. However, the incident has sparked widespread debate, with footage of the broadcast drawing millions of views and thousands of reactions online. Amid mounting criticism, Renna reportedly blocked his account on X.