Or Sasson and his Egyptian rival
Or Sasson and his Egyptian rivalScreenshot

Israeli judoka Or Sasson on Friday made the semifinals at the Rio Olympics after defeating a Dutch rival in the men's 100 kilogram plus weight class, thus coming close to assuring Israel of another medal.

The incident was not without controversy, however, as earlier on Friday an Egyptian rival, Islam el-Shahabi, refused to shake Sasson's hand after Sasson beat him by an ippon, reported Haaretz.

After he defeated the Egyptian, Sasson approached el-Shahabi and offered him his hand to shake, a common sportsmanlike gesture among judokas after matches.

El-Shahabi, however, backed away, refusing Sasson. He was booed by the crowd in Rio, according to Yedioth Ahronoth.

In the semifinals later on Friday, Sasson matches up against the legendary Teddy Riner, the first and only judoka who has won eight World Championships.

If he loses, Sasson would still have a chance at a bronze medal, after a consulation round, noted Haaretz.

If Sasson does indeed win a medal, it would be Israel's second of the week.

On Tuesday, Israeli judoka Yarden Gerbi defeated Japan's Miku Tashiro to win the bronze medal in the women's 63 kilogram weight class.

(Arutz Sheva’s North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Arutz Sheva articles, however, is Israeli time.)