Israel Premier League:

History, Teams, Schedule & Highlights (2025)

The Israel Premier League, known locally as Ligat Ha’Al, is the highest division of professional football in Israel. Over the years, it has developed into a competitive league that attracts football fans from Israel and around the world. From historic clubs like Maccabi Tel Aviv to rising teams such as Hapoel Be’er Sheva, the league continues to showcase incredible passion, talent, and sporting spirit.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Israel Premier League — including its history, format, teams, and what makes it unique in the world of football.

What Is the Israel Premier League?

The Israel Premier League (Ligat Ha’Al) is the top tier of football in Israel, governed by the Israel Football Association (IFA). Established in 1999, it replaced the former Liga Leumit as the country’s premier division.

The league features 14 teams that compete annually for the championship title and qualification for European competitions such as the UEFA Champions League and Europa Conference League.

A Brief History of the League

Football has deep roots in Israel, dating back to the early 20th century. The Premier League, as we know it today, evolved to bring a more professional structure to the sport.

1928 – The Israel Football Association (IFA) was founded.
1931 – The first official national league was established.
1999 – The Israel Premier League (Ligat Ha’Al) officially launched as a restructured top-tier league.

Since then, clubs like Maccabi Tel Aviv, Maccabi Haifa, and Hapoel Tel Aviv have dominated the competition, building rich rivalries and traditions that keep fans deeply engaged every season.

League Format and Structure

The Israel Premier League season typically runs from August to May. The competition follows a split-season format:

Regular Season – All 14 teams play each other twice (home and away).
Playoff Round – The top six teams enter the Championship Round, while the bottom eight enter the Relegation Round.
Championship Title – The team with the most points after the playoff is crowned champion.
Relegation – The lowest-ranked teams drop to Liga Leumit (the second division).

Teams earn:

3 points for a win
1 point for a draw
0 points for a loss

Top Clubs in the Israel Premier League

Some of the most successful and popular teams include:

Maccabi Tel Aviv – Record title holder and powerhouse club.
Maccabi Haifa – Known for passionate supporters and consistent top finishes.
Hapoel Be’er Sheva – Multiple-time champions and key rival to Tel Aviv clubs.
Beitar Jerusalem – Famous for its vibrant fan culture.
Hapoel Tel Aviv – Historically strong with a large following.

These clubs not only shape the competition but also drive the identity of Israeli football domestically and internationally.

Popular Players and Rising Stars

Over the years, the league has been home to many talented Israeli and international players. Names like Eran Zahavi, Yossi Benayoun, and Barak Bachar have brought global recognition to the league.

In 2025, several young stars are gaining attention for their performances, helping the Israel Premier League maintain its reputation as a breeding ground for new talent.

Related Resource on Israel Premier League

To learn more about the history and stats of the league, check this detailed reference:
👉 Wikipedia: Israeli Premier League

This source provides an in-depth look into the league’s records, champions, and current season updates.

Current Season: 2025 Highlights

The 2025 season has already offered exciting matches, new rivalries, and surprising results. Fans have witnessed intense derbies between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv, while smaller teams continue to make unexpected progress.

Key trends in 2025:

Clubs investing in young domestic talent.
More international players joining from Europe and South America.
Increased media coverage and fan engagement online.

Visit RankRise1.com for weekly updates, match results, and exclusive football analysis.

How to Watch Israel Premier League Matches

You can watch live Israel Premier League games through several channels and online platforms:

Sport5 (Israel) – Official broadcast partner.
UEFA TV & OneFootball – Selected matches and highlights.
YouTube channels & team websites – Post-match interviews and replays.

International fans can also use online sports streaming services for global access.

Israel Premier League and European Football

Top-performing teams in the league qualify for European tournaments each season. The champion enters the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, while other high-ranking clubs compete in the Europa League or Conference League.

This exposure helps Israeli football clubs gain valuable experience and improve their global competitiveness.

Internal and External Links

Internal Links (RankRise1):

External Links:

Social Media Tags

#IsraelPremierLeague #LigatHaAl #FootballIsrael #RankRise1 #Soccer2025 #MaccabiTelAviv #IsraeliFootball #SportsNews #FootballUpdates #UEFA

Top 10 References

Israel Premier League Schema (JSON-LD)

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Final Thoughts

The Israel Premier League stands as one of the most exciting and growing football leagues in the Middle East. With its balance of experienced clubs, young players, and passionate fans, it continues to make a mark both locally and in Europe.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer discovering Israeli football for the first time, the league offers energy, emotion, and unforgettable moments every season.

For the latest news, team insights, and match updates, visit RankRise1.com — your ultimate destination for football content and global sports coverage.

Israel Premier League History, Teams, Schedule & Highlights (2025)