Australia’s ice hockey federation has pulled out of hosting a lower-tier men's world championship event featuring Israel's national team, citing security concerns. The decision came after a recent rise in antisemitic attacks in Australia and created backlash from Jewish groups and a debate about whether the country was capable of hosting events that could spark protests.

Australia's ice hockey federation said on Tuesday it had cancelled a planned international qualifying tournament due to safety concerns, with local media reporting the decision was linked to the participation of the Israeli national team.

Ice Hockey Australia has cancelled the world championships in Melbourne as host, claiming Israel's presence would make it too dangerous.

Multiple local media outlets cited an internal email from Ice Hockey Australia (IHA) to the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) saying it could not hold the tournament due to safety and security concerns over Israel's attendance.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry Co-Chief Executive Alex Ryvchin discusses the government’s decision to cancel a major ice hockey tournament in Melbourne.