Jeremy Bates today pleaded for politics to be kept out of sport.

A shadow has been cast over the Davis Cup tie between Great Britain and Israel which starts tomorrow on the centre court at Devonshire Park, Eastbourne.

The conflict between Israel and Lebanon escalated this week and British nationals have been evacuated from Beruit.

Bates said: "It is a tragedy and very sad. But I firmly believe sport should be set aside from those issues.

"I know that sounds naive and simple to say but whatever the reasons are - and it is not for me to judge what is right and what is wrong - I believe we should be here to compete against a sporting background and that is what we need to focus on.

"It is not the only place in the world it happens and you just hope these things can be resolved."

Bates has been caught up before in political unrest while on Davis Cup duty with Great Britain.

Last year, on the night before the British team flew to Israel, five people were killed by a bomb in Tel Aviv.

In 1990, he played in Romania just a few months after the revolution and assassination of dictator Ceausescu.

Fresh bullet holes peppered crumbled brick walls, people were begging in the streets and the press corps were given guided tours of a seized government building and one of Ceausescu's opulent palaces.

The draw is made today and Great Britain must win to ensure their place in the Euro/African Zone Group One.

Defeat would send them into a play-off against the Ukraine in September and possible relegation to the third tier of Davis Cup tennis, Bates is hoping his team of Andy Murray, Alex Bogdanovic, Jamie Delgado and Alan Mackin can bounce back from defeat against Serbia and Montenegro in Glasgow earlier this year.

Sussex will do its best to create the right atmosphere.

Five hundred schoolchildren will be allowed free admission on each of the three days to scream and roar on the British team.

Bates said: "The atmosphere is crucial. The more attractive we make it the better it is for us and the sport.

"We don't want it to be dull. We want to hear the kids getting into it.

"It's an advantage to have the home venue, to balance what is best for your players and what is least favourable for your opposition. Eastbourne's grass is our best chance."

Bates is a veteran of 51 Davis Cup matches as a player, including two at Devonshire Park against Switzerland (1985) and Argentina (1989).

But he rates his current role, which he inherited two years ago from Roger Taylor, as the most satisfying.

He said: "I have really good memories of Eastbourne as a player. I had my first big win there against Switzerland. "But I think being captain is the best job you can get in tennis.

"Last year in Israel was probably the best week of my tennis life. I managed to get other people to perform. It is about getting the best out of other people. There is a skill to that.

"Andy is the linchpin for the whole team and Alex has been world class. They've all got the right approach and attitude.

"It is important to have players who are out there bleeding for victory.

"Tennis is an individual sport for 50 weeks but I have a great set of guys. They are all delighted to play.

"I agree with John McEnroe about how important the Davis Cup is.

"It is the only competition of its type. I grew up in the era when there was a Davis Cup week set aside but sport has moved on because of different pressures and considerations.

"I think that if someone gets selected they should play. Period. No ifs or buts."

His long-term aim is to get Britain back in the World Group and he believes the future beyond Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski is looking good.

The Davis Cup box office number is 01323 412000.