Israel has been barred by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) from competing in world championship events over “security concerns.”
The ban puts Israel alongside Russia and Belarus who were both suspended from competition for the same reason following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The IIHF said in a statement issued Wednesday its ruling council “has decided to restrict the Israeli National Team from participating in IIHF Championships until the safety and well-being of all participants (including Israeli participants) can be assured.”
“The IIHF Council took this decision after careful consideration and based on a risk assessment, discussions with the participating countries and discussions with the hosts.”
Two Florida Panthers fans hold an American and Israeli flag prior to the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Amerant Bank Arena on November 6, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida. (Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
The statement, as seen by AP, did not say if any other country had objected to playing against Israel and made no mention of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Israel will remain excluded “for the time being,” the IIHF said.
The IIHF has previously used similar language around safety and security to support its decision last year to suspend Russia and Belarus from competition following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
AP reports the IIHF world championships are structured into a series of tiers and Israel’s national teams typically play in lower-division events with sparse crowds and little media exposure.
Players of Israel celebrating a goal during the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship In Madrid match between Israel and Georgia at Palacio de Hielo on April 17, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Borja B. Hojas/Getty Images)
The Israeli men’s national team was due to play a Division II-A world championship tournament in Serbia in April against teams including Australia and the United Arab Emirates.
The Israel women’s national team was scheduled for a Division III-B world championship event in Estonia in March against opponents including Bosnia-Herzegovina and Indonesia.