A decision to block Israeli bowls players from taking part in the World Indoor Championships has been reversed following an angry backlash against the move.

The World Bowls Tour (WBT) had angered Jewish groups after bowing to pressure from pro-Palestine activists to withdraw an invitation for Israel to participate in next month’s event at Potters Resorts, Hopton-on-Sea.

The decision followed what the tour said had been a “significant escalation” in political concerns raised during last month’s Scottish International Open in West Lothian, which had been plagued by an online boycott campaign amid Israel’s ongoing military response to the Oct 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on its people.

Following calls for the WBT to reverse its decision, its board wrote to Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Israel on Tuesday confirming it had done so.

Apologising “for any upset or offence that we have caused”, it said: “We had found ourselves in a very difficult position in relation to the security of the venue and to the competitors and other attendees. However, over the past 48 hours we have been exploring practical ways in which our concerns could be overcome, so as to enable the invitation to PBA Israel to be reinstated.

“We are pleased to say that following discussions with various partner agencies, we have been able to confirm today an increase in the security presence at the event.”

It added: “We are very pleased about being able to reverse the decision to withdraw the invitation which we regrettably felt compelled to take in all the circumstances. The sole consideration behind this difficult decision had been the safety and security of all participants, staff, and attendees involved in the tournament.”

News of the U-turn emerged after the Government intervened in the row, with a spokesman telling Telegraph Sport the WBT’s original decision was “deeply disappointing and one that we do not agree with”.

The reversal was welcomed by local MP Rupert Lowe, the former Southampton Football Club chairman turned Reform Party politician who had vowed to “fight this outrageous decision”.

He posted on X: “I’ve been in contact with the Israeli competitors who were banned from attending the bowls championship in my constituency following a concerted hate campaign from the pro-Palestine mob.

“They CAN now compete, the decision has been reversed following public pressure.

“This is how you deal with the bullies taking to the streets of OUR country every weekend. Stand up to them, don’t accept their hateful tactics.

“The Israeli team will be welcomed in Great Yarmouth, and I wish them well for the event.”

Stuart Andrew MP, who was sports minister until the general election, also wrote: “Sport is a force for bringing people together so am delighted by this change of plan.”

This week’s row broke out almost a year after Israel were banned from the Ice Hockey World Championships for the “safety and security of all participants” only for organisers to perform a similar U-turn.

No other sport is thought to have blocked the participation of Israeli teams or athletes, although Fifa is under ongoing pressure to throw the country out of world football.