Dia Saba Out of Israel National Team Due to Political Climate

Sources within the Israel Football Association have confirmed that a decision has been made to permanently exclude 34-year-old midfielder Dia Saba from the national team, ending his international career. The association indicated a mutual understanding with the player, who currently plays in the Turkish league, that he will not be part of the upcoming Nations League campaign. Association sources clarified that the decision is not based on Saba's on-field performance. His club, a mid-table team in the Turkish Super Lig, is currently fifth after three matches, and Saba has already scored two goals this season. Despite his form, there is an agreement between Saba, the team, and the association that the current political situation makes it impossible for him to wear the national team jersey. This exclusion adds to other absences for the national team as it prepares for its opening match on the 24th of the month in Austria. This is the first of four games in ten days, which also includes two matches against Ireland and one against Kosovo. In addition to Saba, Gabi Kanikovsky will miss the first game due to his brother's wedding, while Stav Lemkin and Itay Rotman are sidelined with injuries. Further complications arise with U.S.-based players, who are expected to arrive in Austria only one day before the opening match.