For security reasons, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has excluded the Israeli national team from participating in all tournaments. The decision was announced via the official IIHF website.
“The IIHF Board has carefully considered the situation and has decided that, for security reasons, Israel will temporarily suspend its participation in enrichment tournaments for the safety of other participants. This restriction will remain in effect until the safety and well-being of all participants is guaranteed," the organization's official statement reads.
It is important to note that the World Hockey Championship will be held in the Czech Republic from May 10 to 26. This decision was Israel's first exclusion from international competition, and it was taken in the context of a military operation against Hamas militants.
