Israeli sports

A trip to the 'boy aquarium': Discovering Israel's thriving hockey scene

I’ll admit, this was the first time I’ve ever watched a sports game of any kind in my adult life, and I could not believe how much fun it was.

|BySHIR PERETS
Jerusalem's capitals and Ashdod's Dolphins played a close game, keeping us on the edge of our seats all night.
SOUTH AFRICAN players participate in the inaugural Diski 18 program in Johannesburg.

Diski 18 brings together Israeli soccer players and South African youth

The delegation is part of the Jewish Agency’s Partnership2gether initiative and was made possible through the collaboration of community leaders and volunteers from both Israel and South Africa.

|ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Yam Madar in Maccabi Tel Aviv uniform.

Israeli guard Yam Madar signs three-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv after leaving rival Hapoel

The 25-year-old point guard (1.90m), who grew up supporting Maccabi, joins the Israeli League and State Cup champion under head coach Oded Katash.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
Gymnasts compete during the Israeli Gymnastics Championships and the Maccabiah Gymnastics Championships at Pais Arena in Jerusalem, July 10, 2026.

Cuban delegation to Maccabiah Games overcomes significant hurdles to reach Israel

"If you can see people, for example, with kippah on the street, with tefillin or tallit, it’s like to be inside of the synagogue, a big synagogue. It’s amazing to be here.”

|ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA

Maccabi Tel Aviv tops Partizan at the buzzer, Hapoel continues to slump in Euroleague

Prior to the game, Maccabi Tel Aviv held a ceremony honoring Partizan for hosting the club for more than two years after the terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

FEBRUARY 4, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
MACCABI TEL AVIV guard hits the game-winning shot late in the fourth quarter of the team’s 95-93 Euroleague home victory over Partizan Belgrade at Menora Mivtachim Arena.

New England Patriots remain Israel's team: Why Israelis are invested in Superbowl LX -opinion

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft's fight against antisemitism through NFL campaigns and promotion of American football in Israel gives Israeli sports fans a stake in Super Bowl LX

FEBRUARY 3, 2026BySTEVE LEIBOWITZ
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS owner Robert Kraft’s legacy as an avid supporter of Israel is set in (Jerusalem) stone. The Patriots are in this weekend’s Super Bowl.

Hapoel Tel Aviv beats Beersheba in OT, while Jerusalem, Mac TA both take wins home

Hapoel Tel Aviv slipped by Hapoel Beersheba 112-108 in overtime to notch the tight win at Yad Eliyahu and improve its Israeli league record to 14-1 and remain in first place.

JANUARY 27, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
HAPOEL TEL AVIV'S Antonio Blakeney blocks a shot during the Reds' 112-108 overtime victory over Hapoel Beersheba in Israeli league action at Yad Eliyahu.

Israeli MMA fighter Shimon Smotritsky earns unanimous decision win at 559 Fights 120 - interview

"When I fight like myself, freely, and without trying to entertain someone or try to hype the crowd up and do all this nonsense, I’m the best version of myself," Smotritsky says.

JANUARY 13, 2026BySAM HALPERN
Shimon Smotritsky (left) and James Porter at the weigh-ins ahead of their match at the 559 Fights 120 event in Porterville, California.

Maccabi Tel Aviv keeps pace in Third with conquest of Hapoe

After a fairly even opening 20 minutes, Mathew Cudjoe’s reckless tackle on Helder Lopes saw the midfielder sent off, leaving Sakhnin with only 10 men.

JANUARY 6, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
One of Hapoel Beersheba's Kings Kangwa with teammates and one of Beersheba's Dan Bitton celebrating goals

Daniel Peretz to Southampton, Manor Solomon to Fiorentina in midseason moves - report

Reports say goalkeeper Daniel Peretz is nearing a loan move to Southampton, while winger Manor Solomon could switch from Villarreal to Fiorentina this month.

DECEMBER 31, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
DANIEL PERETZ begins a new chapter with Hamburger SV as he looks to secure the starting role in the Bundesliga.

Tel Aviv beats Villeurbanne in first Euroleague game back in Israel since 2023

The first game back in Israel provided plenty of excitement as Lonnie Walker (29 points) and Roman Sorkin (26 points) led the way for the yellow-and-blue.

DECEMBER 15, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
FROM PLAYERS to fans, everyone was thrilled with Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Euroleague return to Israel, where the yellow-and-blue beat Villeurbanne 92-84 at Yad Eliyahu.

Israeli soccer star Talia Sommer signs with Gotham FC

For the 21-year-old midfielder from Tel Aviv, the moment marks the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

DECEMBER 11, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
TALIA SOMMER takes Israeli women’s soccer to new heights by joining the NWSL

Hapoel Beersheba maintains lead atop table

Beitar Jerusalem finishes first round of games in 2nd place • Hapoel Tel Aviv, Maccabi Haifa win

DECEMBER 10, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
IGOR ZLATANOVIC scored the lone goal for first-place Hapoel Beersheba in its 1-0 Premier League victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv at Turner Stadium.

Israeli star Yam Madar shines as Hapoel Tel Aviv wins in Israeli basketball action

Hapoel Tel Aviv rides Madar’s return • Walker, Maccabi TA cruise • Jerusalem escapes Kiryat Ata

DECEMBER 8, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
LONNIE WALKER continued to have the hot hand for Maccabi Tel Aviv, scoring 24 of his 27 points in the first half of the 104-73 rout of Maccabi Rishon Lezion.