Last year the UAE reversed its policy of banning Israeli athletes from using flags and the country’s national anthem at tournaments following an international backlash.

The 17-year-old Israeli reflected on his victory with a post on Instagram: “For me it was very special to compete here in Abu Dhabi, leave politics behind and do what we love to do.”

Fellow Israelis Omri Haviv, Liam Hershko and Yonatan Margalit won bronze medals at the same event.