Abdallah Jaber, Palestine’s national team player, made a surprising move as he signed for Israeli club Hapoel Hadera.
The Palestinian key player is making a career-changing step, which means playing at higher levels - but can create many complications.
Jaber, played for Ahli Al-Khalil since 2015, was part of Hilal Al-Quds’ Asian journey in the past season and made 57 caps for the national team. After Abdelatif al-Bahdari, Jaber is the highest capped active Palestine national team player. Yet, Abdallah is familiar with Israeli football.
He was actually born in Israel, in the Arab city of Tayibe. As a youngster, he played for Hapoel Kfar Saba and Ironi Ramat HaSharon. He made his senior debut in 2012, as Ironi Ramat HaSharon player in the Israeli Ligat Ha'Al. He also holds an Israeli passport, which previously prohibited him for signing in Egypt.
In 2013, Abdallah Jaber moved to Palestine. He played in Hilal Al-Quds for two seasons and later joined Ahli Al-Khalil. In 2014, Jaber made his debut cap for the national team. He was part of Palestine’s winning squad in the 2014 Challenge Cup and has also played in two Asian Cup campaigns - in 2015 and 2019.
This transfer can have a huge impact on his future in the national team. In recent years, the Palestinian national team barely called up players while they were playing in Israel. Players like Ali Khatib and Hilal Mousa, who were part of the squad, were dropped out. There are rumors that the reason is political, as the Palestinian FA and Jibril Rajoub are trying to avoid partnership with the Israeli FA.
It means that one of the major consequences of Jaber's transfer can be an unofficial end to his international career. There is still a chance that he would be picked again. Earlier this year, Palestine called up Reebal Dahamshe, a 17-year-old player from Israeli side Hapoel Nof HaGalil, to be part of the squad for the Bangabandhu Cup in Bangladesh.
The next international break will answer the big question – would Abdallah Jaber be part of the national team again?
