Ironi Tiberias Approaches Itay Ben Shabat Amid Defensive Reinforcements

Ironi Tiberias is actively seeking to strengthen its squad ahead of the 2026/27 season and has reportedly reached out to defender Itay Ben Shabat. The 26-year-old center-back, who is not part of Maccabi Netanya's plans for the upcoming season, grew up in the community settlement of Had Nes near the Sea of Galilee and developed in the youth system of Hapoel Kiryat Shmona. In 2023, he transferred to Netanya, where he made 21 appearances last season, including 11 starts, and scored one goal in a 2-1 victory over Ashdod.

Ironi Tiberias is preparing for the new season amid various suspensions linked to the "City Bribery" affair. Suspended players Sambinia and David Kaletins, who played as center-backs last season, are now eligible to play, creating a need for additional defensive reinforcements. Meanwhile, players Niv Gottlieb and Guy Hadida remain unavailable at this stage.

So far, Ironi Tiberias has signed several players including Samir Farhoud, Kais Ganem, Guy Sankar, Bar Cohen, Ari Cohen, Chris Quaco, Gal Ma'atok, and Gad Amos. The club is also searching for a defensive midfielder, a left winger, a striker, and additional midfielders to complete its roster.